Brennholzwerk Trier, Trierweiler, Germany, exemplifies an innovative and future-ready energy concept. By combining renewable energy, self-generated heat, and a WEIMA WLK 2000 single-shaft shredder, the company is almost entirely independent from external energy sources.
Brennholzwerk Trier specialises in the production and sale of premium firewood sourced from local forests. The wood is dried in specially designed chambers heated by a woodchip system. This thermal energy is generated from their own wood waste – processed by a WEIMA WLK 2000 shredder.
“We wanted a system that works in perfect harmony and operates as autonomously as possible,” explains Markus Arnoldy, MD and Co-Partner of Brennholzwerk Trier. “With the WEIMA shredder as the centrepiece, we’ve achieved exactly that.”
Holistic sustainability
The company’s energy strategy focuses on maximum efficiency and closed-loop thinking. A wood-powered combined heat and power (CHP) plant supplies both thermal and electrical energy. In addition, a large photovoltaic system provides electricity for the entire facility – including the WEIMA shredder.
Each year, approximately 2.500 MWh of energy is produced, while only 350 MWh are required to operate the facility. The significant surplus powers their own EV charging station and is fed into the public grid – directly contributing to the energy transition.
Efficient wood waste utilisation with the WLK 2000
Wood residues from firewood production, along with scrap wood from a neighbouring carpentry business, are fed into the shredder’s large hopper using a telescopic loader. With a rotor length of 2.000 mm and a diameter of 370 mm, the WLK 2000 is designed for high throughputs and easily handles bulky and tough materials.
“We often deal with large and solid wood residues. We needed to be confident that our shredder could process them without issue – and it works brilliantly,” says Dominik Roa, Co-Owner and Partner at Brennholzwerk Trier.
The shredder features WEIMA’s proprietary WAP gearbox, designed for long-lasting, low-maintenance operation. Thanks to its robust design and integrated safety clutch, the drive ensures smooth performance, while its compact structure and easy accessibility minimise service efforts – a clear benefit in daily operations.
Smart conveying
A 30 mm screen is used to ensure ideal chip size for downstream conveying systems. A magnetic separator mounted above reliably removes metal contaminants, protecting subsequent equipment.
From there, another auger feeds the chips directly into the woodchip heating system – supplying thermal energy to the drying chambers and a neighbouring workshop.
A sustainable system that sets standards
The WEIMA WLK 2000 is more than just a machine – it’s a key component of a carefully crafted, resource-saving energy concept.
