Four new biomass heating plants are supporting the transition towards a more sustainable heat supply in Lower Austria. Developed for EVN Wärme, the projects in Ernsthofen, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Himberg and Spillern combine efficient combustion technology with the use of regional wood chips to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

Modern biomass technology for local heat supply

The 5 MW biomass heating plant in Ernsthofen was commissioned in October 2024, replacing a decommissioned heating plant. It supplies heat to local industrial companies and is designed for approximately 4,500 operating hours per year during the heating season. Around 4,000 tonnes of regionally sourced wood chips are used annually.

The plant is equipped with a hydraulic moving grate combustion system and an integrated hot-water boiler. Five hydraulic pushers and a trough chain conveyor ensure reliable fuel feeding, while a mechanical safety lock and sprinkler valve provide protection against backfire. Controlled primary and secondary air supply, combined with an optimized combustion chamber geometry, enables efficient and low-emission combustion.

For flue gas treatment, the system uses a multicyclone and electrostatic precipitator. Automated ash removal transports both bottom ash and fly ash to a central ash container.

Further capacity for renewable heat

The projects in Waidhofen an der Thaya and Himberg, each with a 5 MW PolyCombustion system, and the 10 MW plant in Spillern, consisting of two 5 MW units, further expand renewable district heating capacity.

Building a resilient local energy future

Locally available biomass is being transformed into a reliable source of renewable heat. By replacing fossil fuels with efficient biomass technology, the plants contribute directly to the decarbonization of local district heating, while keeping energy value within the region. The projects demonstrate how modern biomass heating plants can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support the transition towards a sustainable and resilient local energy supply.