For the outdoor pool, this means that the additional heating of the pool water is no longer available. As a result, the temperature of the water will be lower than in previous years.

The youth campsite is also directly affected. The waste heat from the CHP unit recently heated around two thirds of the shower and washrooms as well as two buildings that are occupied all year round. In the short term, an alternative heat source must now be used. The use of liquid gas tanks, which were previously only intended as an emergency solution, is likely to involve considerable additional costs.

The economic impact cannot yet be quantified, but additional costs in the five-figure range are expected. As bookings for the campsite have already been made until 2026, there is a need to plan for a stable energy supply.

The city of Wolfsburg and the Stadtjugendring Wolfsburg e.V., which operates both the outdoor pool and the youth campsite, are currently examining various technical and organizational alternatives to secure the heat supply.

"We are currently examining possible short-term alternatives to keep the water in Almke warm," explains Andreas Bauer, head of the sports department. "But there's a lot to consider first, from the technical implementation to the expected additional costs."

Whether and when a viable solution can be implemented remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that bathers will have to expect cooler water in the near future. The ongoing operation of the youth campsite will be ensured with temporary solutions.