OYS Newsletter #6: Sustainable heat supply in our partner communities
With the sixth newsletter of the OwnYourSECAP (OYS) project, e7, as the Austrian project partner, focuses on the topic of heating networks. The decarbonization of urban heat supply is one of the major challenges of our time. Heating networks play a decisive role in this by integrating different heating solutions, from individual heating systems to district and district heating solutions.
Heating networks as the key to decarbonization
Heating networks distribute heat centrally to several buildings, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. They use renewable energies, waste heat or combined heat and power generation and offer benefits such as lower costs, greater energy independence and a stable supply.
Heating networks in Europe and Austria
Around 13% of heat in Europe comes from district heating networks, with Scandinavia and Central Europe leading the way. Austria is aiming for climate neutrality by 2040 and sees the expansion of district heating as a decisive step. The proportion of renewable energies is steadily increasing, particularly through biomass.
Heating networks in the OYS partner municipalities
The OYS partner municipalities of Baden, Langenzersdorf and Ottensheim are focusing on sustainable heating solutions and are planning new district heating networks. Feasibility studies have been carried out with the support of e7, which show that operators are invited to participate in the development of these networks. Planned main energy sources are biomass, possibly combined with geothermal and solar heat. In addition, the introduction of innovative low-temperature heat networks (anergy networks) is being examined in certain areas.
Developments in our partner communities show that a sustainable heat supply is not only a necessity, but also a realistic and feasible solution for the future. With the right planning and investment, district heating can make a decisive contribution to climate neutrality.