Munich Utilizes Underground Network to Combat Heatwaves
Munich, August 1 – As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, Munich is leveraging its extensive underground district cooling network, the largest in Germany, to provide sustainable cooling for hundreds of buildings across the city. This innovative system, managed by the Munich City Utilities (SWM), offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning, significantly reducing energy consumption.
How the District Cooling System Works
Deep beneath Munich’s Karlsplatz-Stachus lies the heart of the city’s cooling infrastructure. Stefan Birle from SWM explains, “Here we are in the Stachus cooling center, and from here we cool downtown Munich.” The system draws cold water from the Isar River and an underground city stream, channeling it through a 25-kilometer network of pipes. In the cooling centers, heat exchangers transfer the cold to the ventilation systems of connected buildings. The water, now slightly warmer, then returns to the stream, completing a natural and efficient cooling cycle.
Birle highlights the environmental benefits, stating, “We only need about a third of the electricity that customers would use if they generated it decentrally, because we have larger systems.” The network has been steadily expanded since 2011, now serving numerous properties from the Kaufinger shopping street to Odeonsplatz, Marienplatz, and the main train station, including Google’s Munich office.
Ice Storage for Enhanced Cooling Capacity
Further enhancing the system’s capacity, two levels below ground, SWM also produces and stores 170,000 kilograms of ice. This ice acts as an additional cold reserve, especially crucial during peak temperatures. “This is the giant freezer, and here we use the phase transition from water to ice to store the cold,” explains Birle, emphasizing its importance during current high temperatures.
Future Expansion and Growing Demand
The district cooling network is set for further expansion. A new large cooling center is scheduled to open in Munich-Thalkirchen next year, with plans to extend the network to the Schwabing district by 2030. Despite the occasional disruption caused by laying new pipes, the effort appears worthwhile, as SWM reports a steady increase in demand for new connections.
Munich’s Response to a Changing Climate
This initiative comes as Bavaria experiences its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius. While water usage restrictions in the state capital are set to end on August 2, the groundwater situation remains tense. The district cooling system is a proactive measure by Munich to adapt to these climatic changes, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for urban cooling.
The expansion of the district cooling network is part of a broader effort to make Munich more resilient to climate change. By investing in such infrastructure, the city aims to ensure a comfortable living and working environment for its residents while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Source: BR24, Munich City Utilities (SWM)
