Munich’s New 50-Meter Thermal Storage Tank Connects to District Heating Network
Munich, May 12, 2026 – The Stadtwerke München (SWM) has successfully brought its 50-meter-high thermal storage tank at the Süd energy site online. Following two and a half years of construction, the impressive structure, resembling a giant thermos, began feeding into the district heating network in April. The company officially announced the commissioning on May 11, 2026, highlighting its significance for the city’s energy future.
The facility is currently undergoing optimization during its trial operation and is already connected to the inner-city and Perlach district heating networks. Preparations are also underway for its connection to the Sendling network. With a height of 50 meters and a diameter of approximately 40 meters, the thermal storage tank boasts a gross capacity of around 57,000 cubic meters of district heating water.
Crucial Component for the Heat Transition
SWM emphasizes that the thermal storage tank is a vital component in their successful implementation of the heat transition. It provides increased flexibility for the energy generation plants at the Süd site, allowing for more efficient decoupling of electricity and heat production at the Süd combined heat and power plant (HKW Süd).
This means that when there is high demand for electricity but low demand for heat, surplus heat can now be stored. Conversely, if the power plant needs to reduce electricity production – for instance, due to an abundance of renewable energy sources in the grid – and consequently generates less heat, the stored heat can be utilized. “In the future, the storage tank can also temporarily store heat from the geothermal plant during periods of low demand and release it when heat demand is high,” SWM stated. This functionality enhances overall system efficiency and strengthens the city’s supply security.
Traditional Energy Site Undergoing Transformation
The Süd energy site of SWM exemplifies the transition from the old to the new energy world. Electricity has been generated here for the city since 1899. After phases involving coal and waste incineration, combined heat and power (CHP) based on natural gas has been the state-of-the-art technology for a quarter of a century.
SWM’s plans indicate that “the future belongs to renewable energies.” Germany’s largest geothermal plant, capable of supplying eco-friendly heat to approximately 80,000 people, is already operating on the northern side of the energy site. Furthermore, a district cooling center will soon provide climate-friendly district cooling to the city center, addressing the growing demand there. Within HKW Süd itself, the future integration of biomethane or hydrogen through modern technology is being considered to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The commissioning of this thermal storage tank marks a significant step forward in Munich’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its ambitious goals for a comprehensive energy transition.
Source: Energie & Management GmbH
