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Germany's Giant Heat Pump Taps Rhine for Energy
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Giant pipes will draw 10,000 liters per second from the River Rhine.
- Two 82.5 megawatt heat pump modules are planned for Mannheim.
- The system aims to supply approximately 40,000 homes with heat.
In Mannheim, Germany, a colossal heat pump project is underway, set to harness the power of the River Rhine. Enormous pipes, large enough to walk through, will draw 10,000 liters of water per second from the river. This water will be used to generate heat for a district heating system.
The parent company, MVV Energie, announced plans for two powerful heat pump modules, each boasting a capacity of 82.5 megawatts. Collectively, these units are designed to provide heating for approximately 40,000 homes. The initiative is part of a broader effort to transition away from fossil fuels.
This ambitious project is situated at the site of a former coal power plant, which is being converted to embrace cleaner energy solutions. The sheer scale of the machinery presented logistical challenges, with considerations for transport via streets or the Rhine itself.
