21. April 2023

Earth Day 2023: CG Elementum presents almost energy self-sufficient farm with novel hydrogen storage system

"Live greener - live in harmony with nature" is not only the motto for Earth Day on 22 April 2023, but also the maxim of the real estate company CG Elementum AG, which specialises in sustainable construction. At the Arieshof property, this principle was consistently implemented from the yard gate to the roof.

On the occasion of Earth Day 2023, CG Elementum AG presents as a best practice the almost energy self-sufficient farm in South Tyrol, which is at the same time an agricultural, educational and social project. Together with the company GKN Hydrogen based in Bruneck (South Tyrol/Italy), an innovative energy concept was designed: By generating electrical and thermal energy on site on the one hand and using the latest storage technology on the other, the farm can be operated almost self-sufficiently in terms of energy throughout the year. For this purpose, a combined heat and power plant supplied with local biomass and a 1,020 square metre photovoltaic system are used, which generate around 230,000 kWh of electricity annually. Using a new type of hydrogen storage system from GKN Hydrogen and an environmentally friendly nickel-metal hydride battery storage system, this energy can be temporarily stored and the farm can be optimally supplied with up to 94 percent of its own electricity from the PV system. This corresponds to a CO2 saving of about 92 tonnes per year.

The novel technology of hydrogen storage sets standards in terms of safety requirements. A process is used to store hydrogen in metal hydride. In contrast to conventional pressurised hydrogen containers, storage takes place at the same volume and significantly lower pressure. This means that an explosion can be ruled out because the hydrogen is bound in the metal hydride. Hot water and heating at the Arieshof is provided by a wood chip system.

The Arieshof farm also grows mainly cereals and vegetables and processes the products directly on site. Holiday guests are accommodated in the farm’s own flats, and a small restaurant processes local and regional products. In addition, educational and social projects as well as further training are carried out for children, young people and socially disadvantaged workers.

With this example, CG Elementum is setting an example for Earth Day 2023. With the Arieshof, the company is making a contribution to the energy transition and at the same time to sustainable social action.

Copyright Pictures:
CG Elementum AG / Silbersalz

Pressekontakt

Martina Serwene
E-Mail: presse@cg-elementum.de
Telefon: +49 30 7675948 1269
CG Elementum AG
Bismarckstraße 79
10627 Berlin