At the Gerwing-Gerwer poultry farm in Alstätte, Westphalia, around 18,000 chickens are kept – with plenty of space and the option to choose between a heated barn and a covered outdoor run. Animal welfare is the highest priority here.

The spacious barn has been in operation since 2002 and was originally heated with gas-powered radiant heaters. Even then, the operators opted for modern technology: Since 2002, a g-box 50plus from 2G has provided the base load of heat. In addition, around 30% of the electricity generated is used directly on-site.

"For us, it was crucial to have an energy supply that is not only economical and environmentally friendly, but also independent," explain Bianca and Tobias. The combined heat and power (CHP) plant they use meets precisely these requirements.

These combined heat and power plants (CHP) fulfill precisely these requirements. Thanks to its off-grid capability, the entire farm can be supplied with electricity and heat independently – even during a public power grid outage – which is of great importance, especially with regard to animal welfare.

The simultaneous generation of electricity and heat makes the system particularly efficient and sustainable – a significant contribution to more environmentally friendly poultry farming. Approximately 70% of the electricity produced is fed into the public grid and compensated accordingly. Over the system's life cycle, subsidies of up to €240,000 can be considered.

"With the g-box from 2G, we have positioned our farm well for the future in every respect," says Tobias Gerwing-Gerwer.

Currently, the system is powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), but a switch to natural gas, biogas, or even hydrogen is possible at any time – making the farm ready for the energy future.