The community of Morbach has defined its mission statement as follows: To be energy self-sufficient on the basis of renewable energy by the year 2020 and to cut CO₂ emissions by over 50 per cent as against the year 2000.

Together with partners in science and economy it has developed the concept and created the "Energy Landscape of Morbach" on a former US munitions site. 14 wind turbines of 2 MW each, a field of 10,000 m² photovoltaic plant and a biogas factory generate more electricity there than the 11,000 community residents require. The waste heat from the biogas factory, which is operated on renewable raw materials from the region, is used for drying woodchips, which then are transformed into pellets in a largely carbon neutral process.

The community of Morbach has succeeded in attracting several thousand visitors from all around the world who come to see its energy production landscape every year. An information centre and an "energy educational trail" are currently under construction.

Morbach’s public buildings such as the school and the town hall are equipped with photovoltaic systems too. A cadastral map to identify and analyse the rooftop potential for solar energy use is in progress. The planning for a local heat supply network to be fed by a large wood-fired power plant and managed by a community-owned company has also taken definite shape.

The town’s consistent approach to involve local players from different disciplines in the planning and realisation of the variety of measures is exemplary. The unique "Energy Landscape of Morbach" has achieved ecological and economic success and shows how local communities can have a part in acting on climate change.

Contact:
Morbach community
Bahnhofstr. 19
54497 Morbach
Germany
www.morbach.de