Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG

Regional Material Flow Analysis Schwedt

A regional material flow analysis and feasibility assessment of expanding media infrastructures and establishing R&D structures at the Schwedt/Oder site.

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Regional Material Flow Analysis Schwedt

In spring 2024, the townof Schwedt/Oder commissioned a consortium of Fraunhofer IEG, Fraunhofer ISI, and EEB Enerko GmbH to conduct a "Regional Material Flow Analysis and Feasibility Assessment of Expanding Media infrastructure and Establishing R&D Structures at the Schwedt/Oder Site."

Funded by federal and Brandenburg state resources as part of the joint task: "Improvement of Regional Economic Structures" - GRW Infrastructure, the town of Schwedt/Oder aims to support and advance the holistic and sustainable transformation of the traditionally oil-processing, paper industry, and biofuel production-dominated industrial sites.

 

Objectives

The project aims to:

1. Demonstrate how resources, materials, and products of the companies located at the site can be used more efficiently and how sustainable regional cycles can be developed.

2. Identify the advantages, unique features, and future perspectives of the Schwedt/Oder industrial location.

3. Assess whether and how the establishment of R&D structures can enrich the regional ecosystem and enable sustainable development dynamics in and around the town of Schwedt/Oder.

To achieve this, the project is divided into three work packages, which the project team will work on in close collaboration with Schwedt companies, the town’s economic development agency, and other important local stakeholders.

Essential Research and Development Services

 

  • Inventory, data collection, and analysis of regional energy and material flows (electricity, natural gas/biogas, hydrogen, water, as well as key raw materials, by-products, and waste products) of approximately 15 major resident companies, including stakeholder interviews, results evaluation, and the derivation of recommendations for action (responsible: Fraunhofer IEG).
  • Techno-economic feasibility assessment of supplementary infrastructure, including inventory of existing capacities and reserves, identification of necessary expansion capacities, outlining required construction/renovation measures, and their cost framework (responsible: EEB ENERKO).
  • Feasibility assessment for the permanent establishment of R&D structures at the site, including inventory, identification of local R&D needs and profiles, research on success factors, and the derivation of recommendations for action (responsible: Fraunhofer ISI).

The project results will benefit both the Schwedt economic development agency and the various companies in Schwedt/Oder and the surrounding area, enabling them to further advance the ongoing and highly dynamic structural change and transformation process in line with climate protection goals, while preserving and strengthening local economic power.