Guided tour of the Forsthaus energy centre

During the guided tour through the Forsthaus energy centre, participants will see where waste, regional wood, and natural gas are converted into electricity, steam, and district heating. The interactive city model in the new visitor room depicts how we as a collective can achieve the energy transition.

Tip: The event room in the Forsthaus energy centre can be hired for events.

The Forsthaus energy centre is a highly efficient system that converts waste, regional wood, and natural gas into electricity, steam, and district heating. It contributes significantly to Energie Wasser Bern’s ability to implement the decision of Bern’s electorate to phase out nuclear energy until 2039.

The plant – which resembles a huge concrete ship – fulfils the objectives of the energy strategies set by the city and region of Bern. It uses a considerable amount of renewable resources to produce energy locally: about a third of the city of Bern’s electricity requirements and twelve percent of its heating requirements. The centre also allows Energie Wasser Bern to react flexibly to market demands, making it even more independent of other electricity suppliers. 

The Forsthaus energy centre is a first in Switzerland: The waste incineration plant is combined with a wood-fired power plant and a joint gas and steam power plant. This allows for a flexible operation of the entire centre. Depending on the time of year and customer demand, Energie Wasser Bern can produce more district heating or more electricity from waste, wood, and natural gas.