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The former Kellogg’s site in Bremen where the Überseeinsel quarter is being created with a sustainable energy infrastructure
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Sustainable energy for an entire urban quarter – heating and cooling for the Überseeinsel

A pioneering energy centre is being created on Bremen’s Überseeinsel that is climate-friendly, flexible and intelligently managed. At its heart is an innovative heating station that is powered by renewable energy and efficiently provides both heating and cooling. KSB is supplying the necessary pumping equipment for this venture, making a vital contribution to the success of one of Germany’s most exciting energy projects. 
A pioneering energy centre is being created on Bremen’s Überseeinsel that is climate-friendly, flexible and intelligently managed. At its heart is an innovative heating station that is powered by renewable energy and efficiently provides both heating and cooling. KSB is supplying the necessary pumping equipment for this venture, making a vital contribution to the success of one of Germany’s most exciting energy projects. 

The project

Where once cornflakes used to be produced, a new urban quarter is being created with a completely new approach to energy: sustainable, networked and largely self-sufficient. Spanning around 16 hectares, an urban space is being developed in which living, working and leisure are closely interlinked, powered by an intelligent system comprising renewable energy sources, storage facilities and networks. 
Around 650 residential units and extensive commercial spaces are benefiting from this holistic approach. The aim is to provide heating and cooling exactly as and when they are needed, while making optimum use of electricity generated from wind, solar and aquathermal energy. 
What makes this so special is the way that several innovative technologies are combined to form a single integrated system:
  • 5 MW river water heat pump that uses the River Weser as a heat source, even when water temperatures are below 4°C
  • XXL thermal energy storage tanks and an ice slurry storage facility for flexible energy use
  • Power-to-heat module for converting electricity into heat • Vacuum ice slurry generator
  • Combined local heating and cooling network • A self-learning prediction and control system for heating and cooling systems
  • A cold water storage facility on the surface of the river which is used as an ice rink
The energy centre forms an integral part of the neighbourhood, both technically and functionally, making the energy transition a daily living reality.
Diagram of the energy and heating concept for Bremen’s Überseeinsel

Sustainable neighbourhood energy in action: The Überseeinsel’s energy centre combines renewable sources, storage facilities and smart control systems into an efficient integrated system.

The customer

The energy concept for the Überseeinsel was planned and implemented by two partners: 

STADT.ENERGIE.SPEICHER GmbH, based in Bremen, develops and operates sustainable energy and heating solutions for districts and municipalities and has played a key role in shaping the innovative overall concept for the Überseeinsel.

Johann Christoffers GmbH & Co. KG, based in Delmenhorst, is the engineering contractor responsible for the technical implementation, drawing on its extensive experience in heating, cooling and building services. 

The challenge

An urban quarter with a largely self-sufficient energy supply requires a sophisticated interplay between renewable sources, storage facilities and distribution networks. Electricity from wind and solar power is not available continuously, yet heating and cooling needs to be provided reliably at all times. The use of river water as an energy source, particularly at low temperatures, places high technical demands on the overall system. 

The challenge was to combine these different elements to create a stable and efficient energy system that can be flexibly controlled. To achieve this, generation, storage and consumption need to be intelligently coordinated to balance out fluctuations and ensure a continuous supply. 

The hydraulic infrastructure plays a crucial role in this: Pumps ensure that heating and cooling are circulated reliably around the system and arrive exactly where they are needed, forming the connecting foundation that keeps the entire energy concept operating in a stable and efficient manner.
KSB pumps from the Etaline type series in the state-of-the-art heating station on Bremen’s Überseeinsel

At the heart of the energy centre: KSB Etaline pumps ensure stable and efficient system operation.

The solution

KSB is providing the hydraulic foundation for the Überseeinsel’s energy system, ensuring it is precisely tailored to the requirements of a dynamic neighbourhood. 

High-efficiency pumps are being used to reliably transport heating and cooling between the power generation plants, storage facilities and distribution networks. The use of frequency inverters allows the pumps to be flexibly adjusted according to changing loads. Furthermore, KSB’s PumpMeter provides transparency of operation and supports efficient system control. 

The added value:
  • Energy-efficient and demand-driven operation
  • High operating reliability of the overall system
  • Seamless integration into the energy management system 
KSB solutions are thus helping to ensure that the Überseeinsel’s complex energy system works reliably and efficiently. 
KSB pumps from the Etabloc type series in the state-of-the-art heating station on Bremen’s Überseeinsel

Reliable distribution: Etabloc pumps with PumpMeter ensure an efficient supply of heating and cooling.

Figures I Data I Facts

Überseeinsel in Bremen, heating station 1 + 2 

  • Investment volume: approx. € 19 million
  • Development and construction time: approx. 4 years
  • Commissioned: April 2025
  • Engineering contractor: Johann Christoffers GmbH & Co. KG, Delmenhorst
  • Operator: STADT.ENERGIE.SPEICHER GmbH, Bremen 
Products used 
  • 40 pumps from the Etaline and Etabloc type series in a range of sizes, each equipped with a PumpMeter monitoring unit
  • External frequency inverters for variable speed control 

Suitable products

Etabloc/Etabloc Pro/Etabloc MyFlow

Etabloc/Etabloc Pro/Etabloc MyFlow
Documents

Single-stage volute casing pump in close-coupled design, with ratings to EN 733, with IEC-compatible power drive system comprising PumpDrive 2 and KSB SuPremE® motor or PumpDrive 3 (efficiency class IE4/IE5 to IEC TS 60034-2-3:2016) and motor-integrated frequency inverter. Shaft fitted with a replaceable shaft sleeve in the shaft seal area. Volute casing and casing cover with replaceable casing wear rings. Volute casing with integrally cast pump feet for variants B, C and S. Motor mounting points in accordance with IEC 60072, envelope dimensions in accordance with DIN V 42673 (07-2011). ATEX-compliant version available. Well ahead of the ErP Directive's efficiency requirements.

Details

Etaline/Etaline Pro/Etaline MyFlow

Etaline/Etaline Pro/Etaline MyFlow
Documents

Single-stage volute casing pump in in-line design with IEC-compatible power drive system comprising PumpDrive 2 and KSB SuPremE® motor or PumpDrive 3 (efficiency class IE4/IE5 to IEC TS 60034-2-3:2016) and motor-integrated frequency inverter. Pump shaft and motor shaft are rigidly connected; with uncooled mechanical seal to EN 12756 and replaceable casing wear rings. Drive lantern made of grey cast iron. Motor mounting points in accordance with IEC 60072, envelope dimensions in accordance with DIN V 42673 (07-2011). ATEX-compliant version available. Well ahead of the ErP Directive's efficiency requirements.

Details

PumpMeter

PumpMeter
Documents

Device for monitoring the operation of one pump. It is an intelligent pressure transmitter for pumps, with on-site display of measured values and operating data. It records the load profile of the pump in order to indicate any potential for optimising energy efficiency and availability. The device comprises two pressure sensors and a display unit. PumpMeter is supplied completely assembled and parameterised for the pump it is used with. It is ready for operation as soon as the M12 plug connector is plugged in.

Details

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