The Braunschweig Model

The idea of the Braunschweig Model, developed by the Abwasserverband Braunschweig, is unique in Germany. Wastewater from the city and bio-energy from the countryside are combined to create a water-nutrient energy cycle.

The wastewater from the city of Braunschweig and a number of boroughs covered by the Gifhorn water board is mechanically and biologically purified in the wastewater treatment plant Steinhof.

The purified water is then subsequently used for the irrigation of agricultural areas belonging to our members. The plants thereby receive the necessary water and important nutrients at the same time. In this way, we are able to ensure the production of food and energy plants. We use the energy plants for the CO2-neutral production of biogas in our biogas plant, whereby electricity and heating for several thousand Braunschweig households are produced.