Holzheim (GER)
Background
Since 2009, managing directors S. Brenner and J. Hieber have operated a biogas plant in Holzheim, Bavaria. In 2010, Biogas Plant Holzheim established a local heating network, initially supplying 50 households and an agricultural trading business. A year later, the plant’s capacity doubled to 760 kW.
In 2018, two 1.5 MW Jenbacher J420 combined heat and power (CHP) units were added, increasing the plant’s total capacity to 3.8 MW. In 2020, the plant was further expanded to 4.5 MW, and it now supplies heat to approximately 250 customers with a peak load of about 3.0 MW. Half of its feedstock consists of agricultural residues, sourced from about 70 providers.
Previously, the plant’s heat and gas storage levels were checked manually each day, with operations then scheduled by hand accordingly—a time-consuming process. The plant owners sought a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage the district heating network while taking advantage of electricity trading opportunities.
Solution
Since early 2025, the Holzheim biogas plant has used the myplant Energy Management (EM) solution1 developed by INNIO Group’s Jenbacher experts. The system automates all key processes: heat and gas storage levels are monitored continuously, and scheduling is handled automatically. Electricity trading across day-ahead and intraday markets is managed by INNIO associate Stadtwerke Rosenheim, a direct marketer.
Using artificial intelligence, the myplant platform generates efficient schedules based on forecasts for electricity prices, weather, and heat demand. It also considers specific plant requirements, such as the desired number of starts and stops per day. At Holzheim, for instance, three starts per day are specified, and the plant only operates when electricity prices are attractive. Regulatory requirements also are factored into the scheduling process automatically.
Watch the video to discover how the Holzheim biogas plant utilizes INNIO’s myplant Energy Management and the support of the Jenbacher expert team to drive innovative energy solutions.
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Result
Prior to adopting myplant EM, the biogas plant required several hours each day for manual operation and scheduling. With the fully automated2 and flexible myplant system, the operations manager now can focus on other priorities. In addition, with the myplant solution, Biogas Plant Holzheim gains a reliable local heating network and advanced management of electricity trading across day-ahead and intraday markets.
The solution also helps ensure compliance with the Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) regulations. Real-time data on fermenter input allow precise gas production prediction, while heat demand forecasts support demand-driven plant operation. Additional time is saved with automated CHP unit startup. The result is efficient, flexible plant operation.
Through the intelligent automation of myplant EM, Biogas Plant Holzheim now operates more efficiently, generates higher revenues, and contributes to regional grid stability—all while supporting a sustainable, locally sourced energy supply.
Customer benefits with the myplant Energy management solution
- Comprehensive economic optimization of the plant
- Tailored, fully automated scheduling
- Integrated forecasts for heat and gas
- High flexibility to respond quickly to market changes
- Combined day-ahead and intraday trading
- Significant time savings through intelligent automation
- Compliance with regulatory requirements
- Scalable for various biogas plant configurations
- Option to integrate additional energy generators
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
2 The term “fully automated” means that operator intervention is not required for regular plant operation based on automatically generated forecasts and timetables
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