Sustainable heat for Chemnitz: HoSt Bioenergy Systems starts construction of biomass CHP plant
A single partner across the full term
The plant will add renewable heat capacity to Chemnitz’s district heating network. Construction covers the biomass boiler, the steam turbine, the exhaust gas purification system, and the connection to the district heating network. The 20-year contract was signed in early 2025, with financing and contractual conditions now settled. As both investor and operator, HoSt carries the project through construction, commissioning and long-term operation, with a single party accountable for delivery, plant performance and heat price across the full term.
Once operational, the plant will meet around 10% of Chemnitz’s district heating demand from regional, renewable resources. It runs on untreated woody biomass, which qualifies as renewable under German law. Around 90% of the fuel is sourced within approximately 250 kilometres of the site, from forest residues, landscape conservation material and street wood cuttings.
Achieving the lowest emissions
Emissions performance was a decisive factor in awarding the contract to HoSt through competitive tendering. The plant is equipped with an extensive exhaust gas purification system and operates to internally agreed emission values that go well beyond the legal requirements. NOx emissions are held below 60 mg/Nm³, compared to the statutory limit of 200 mg/Nm³, less than one third of an already low legal threshold. Continuous emissions monitoring is installed in accordance with the 44th BImSchV, the German ordinance governing medium-sized combustion plants.
Artist impression of the Combined Heat & Power Plant
