It is a big challenge to find solutions that will satisfy this hunger for energy without endangering the basis on which life depends. EnBW is meeting this challenge. It wants to create a city in which the most pressing energy problems have been solved: the EnBW EnyCity. In order to turn this project into reality, a highly qualified group of experts has developed a technique to plan an energy-optimised city – a procedure that can be applied anywhere in the world. This methodology was developed using the development of a new industrial city in China as a template. This metropolis would correspond in size to the area of greater Munich and provide space for 800,000 people to live and work.

Firstly, buildings such as apartment blocks and offices were planned and their energy requirements were assessed. The buildings were equipped with energy-saving facilities and experts subsequently optimised the energy chain. The project continually presented the team with new challenges. In order to plan for electricity and gas consumption in accordance with the real behaviour of the Chinese inhabitants, plenty of information was required. For example, what percentage of Chinese people cook their rice with gas and how many with electricity? Starting from the consumption thus forecast, different concepts for energy generation were developed. These concepts ranged from centralised to strongly decentralised supply concepts, on the basis of many different primary energy carriers. Regenerative sources were also considered. The experts subsequently devised methods to optimise the power grid.

The “EnBW EnyCity” concept has shown significant success: Compared to a new city in China implemented according to current standards, CO2 emissions could be reduced by ca. 25 %. About 15 % less primary energy was required. This represents a significant reduction of the demands on energy reserves and, for investors, less dependence on increasing energy prices. The construction technology used led to an improvement in quality of life in the new urban areas and would thus make a contribution to the maintenance of public harmony.

The “EnBW EnyCity” offers town planners and politicians a reliable basis for decision making in the evaluation of the planning possibilities of urban energy systems.