HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions GmbH has successfully handed over the newly constructed maintenance depot for the Neckar Waterways and Shipping Office (WSA Neckar) in the Wohlgelegen Future Park in Heilbronn. The project, strategically located near Stuttgart, was designed and realised by HOCHTIEF and will be operated until 2050 as part of an integrated model. This model includes construction, energy supply and the long-term operational management of the facility.
The site is designed for efficient, low-emission operation. A key component for this is a high-performance photovoltaic system, complemented by a battery storage unit. This configuration enables a largely self-sufficient energy supply and reduces dependence on the public electricity grid. The financing and operation of the solar system are carried out by HOCHTIEF Solarpartner. A long-term power supply contract also secures predictable and stable energy costs for WSA Neckar.
Technical Equipment and Sustainability
The new depot makes a concrete contribution to climate protection and serves to maintain the Neckar infrastructure. It comprises approximately 2,300 square metres of modern space, housing offices, workshops and storage facilities. In addition, improved waterway access and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles have been implemented. The construction period for the project was 24 months. For its sustainable approach, the depot was awarded the silver seal of approval by the Sustainable Building Rating System (BNB). HOCHTIEF commenced operation of the facility in December 2025.
The depot's energy system is designed for maximum self-consumption. The photovoltaic system installed by ingenia projects has a capacity of 438 kWp and is designed to produce approximately 415 MWh annually. A battery storage unit with a capacity of 215 kWh absorbs excess electricity, covers nocturnal energy requirements and significantly minimises peak loads and grid reliance.
Strategic Importance and Urban Development
Peter Coenen, Managing Director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, stated that the planning of public infrastructure must take long-term operation into account from the outset. By integrating construction, energy system and operation from the beginning of the project, reliable services and cost certainty over several decades are created for WSA Neckar. Beyond its primary function, the new depot contributes to the urban development of Heilbronn. The relocation from the previous site on Mannheimer Straße frees up space for the city, which can be used for the expansion of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation's education campus.
