In the heart of Franconia, a cutting-edge, resource-efficient brewery—Bayreuther Brauhaus—is under construction.
This project is a rare feat in Germany. The Bayreuther Brauhaus, strategically focused on sustainability, is being developed and realized by Krones. Located on the outskirts of Bayreuth, this new brewery will exclusively produce ‘Bayreuther Hell’, boasting an impressive annual capacity of 500,000 hectolitres.
Krones’ subsidiary, Steinecker, oversees key components including the brewhouse, fermentation and storage cellars, as well as essential utility systems. In addition, Krones provides the complete bottling technology, ensuring high-quality food and beverage packaging.
The innovative returnable-glass line, designed to process 40,000 bottles per hour, utilizes proven Krones technology—from washing to filling, labeling, and packaging.
“The new bottling line will consist of the same machines currently utilized at our Maisel’s brewery, just 1.5 kilometers away. This proximity allows us to optimize workforce deployment at both locations,” explains Jeff Maisel, owner of the Gebr. Maisel brewery. “Moreover, alongside flexibility, we clearly established another objective: to make this brewery one of the most modern in Europe and operate it as resource-efficiently as possible,” adds Maisel.
The cornerstone of this new brewery is its forward-thinking energy concept. A photovoltaic system generates environmentally friendly electricity, while a wood chip system aids in heat generation.
The brewery operates using two distinct heating circuits: a high-pressure hot water system for wort boiling derived from the wood chips, and a low-pressure hot water system supported by a heat pump for other consumers. This energy is efficiently distributed via two central heat storage tanks. Innovative technologies, such as Steinecker’s EquiTherm system, ensure optimal utilization of heat generated during brewing.
“Maisel is setting new standards in efficiency and sustainability with this ultra-modern brewery. As a trusted partner, we take pride in contributing our technology to enhance the energy efficiency of producing ‘Bayreuther Hell’,” remarks Thomas Ricker, chief sales officer at Krones.
Construction is progressing rapidly, with the first brewhouse systems expected to arrive by late 2025. The bottling technology will follow in mid-2026, and the inaugural bottles of ‘Bayreuther Hell’ are set to leave the Bayreuth brewery yard by the end of that year.
