From surplus heat to climate-friendly energy: Ernst Sutter AG & energienetz GSG AG

Ernst Sutter AG is one of the leading meat and food processors in Switzerland. The traditional company combines craftsmanship, quality and innovation while at the same time taking responsibility for greater sustainability. One key example is the use of waste heat from its own refrigeration systems: Ernst Sutter AG feeds around 3000 MWh into the energy network of energienetz GSG AG every year. In this interview, Anja Koletzki, Head of Corporate Communications and Media Spokesperson, explains how this partnership came about, what contribution it is making to the climate-neutral city of St.Gallen and why regional exchange is so important.

What is the GSG heating network?

Many industrial processes generate waste heat that cannot be used on site. The heat/energy network collects this surplus energy and directs it to where it is needed - for example to heat residential or commercial buildings.

Can you briefly describe how the cooperation between Ernst Sutter AG and energienetz GSG AG came about?

The collaboration came about through our involvement in the GSG association, now ASGO. The GSG association was founded around 11 years ago. Around 40 companies have joined forces and promoted an intensive exchange of experience. Together we look "outside the box" and support each other. This association gave rise to the idea of a low-temperature heating network. At the same time, the association Areal St.Gallen West - Gossau Ost emerged from energienetz GSG.

What specific energy solutions or services do you use from energienetz GSG AG, and what benefits do they bring to your company?

We do not use a service from energienetz GSG AG - we work together: As a partner from the very beginning, Ernst Sutter AG feeds around 3,000 MWh of waste heat from its refrigeration systems into the anergy network of energienetz GSG AG every year. The low-temperature waste heat that we cannot use is thus put to good use, for example by means of heat pumps.

Are there any projects or planned developments in which the cooperation with energienetz GSG AG is to become even more intensive in future?

We have been working closely with energienetz GSG AG for many years. We will continue to take every opportunity to put our waste heat to good use in the future.

What would you recommend to other companies in St.Gallen that are thinking about working with energienetz GSG AG?

Based on our consistently positive experience, we recommend other companies to work with energienetz GSG AG. Together, we can expand the regional energy supply with unused waste heat from industry and commerce and reduce CO₂ emissions - and thus contribute to a climate-neutral city of St. Gallen. We also consider the exchange and coordination between energienetz GSG AG and the Areal St.Gallen West - Gossau Ost (ASGO) association to be important.