An end to the dependence upon limited fossil fuel resources - the dream of steadfast idealists, can actually be observed in the near future while touring the first energetically independent city in Germany: Jühnde (German). The rural 750-person community produces enough energy to meet 100% of the electricity and heating needs. The community is autonomous due to a combination of the factors:
- Heating and electricity is produced in a biogas facility which utilizes cogeneration.
- The usable energy is distributed to each household through a local heat network, completely utilizing the large amount of energy. The common problem of heat loss, which many farmers elsewhere view as unimportant, is not permitted.
- A public electricity network is utilized in Jündhe as a quasi-buffer as well.