Sustainable Heat Supply for Ottensheim

Project partner

• aquaplan.ing gmbh
• arkade planungs gmbh

Project description

Initial Situation / Motivation

The market town of Ottensheim is currently facing the challenge of being unable to provide its residents with qualified guidance on viable options for transitioning to a climate-neutral heat supply.
In particular, many residents are seeking clarity on whether a centralized heat supply for the town area can be expected in the medium term, or whether each property owner will need to find an individual solution. Closely linked to this is the question of which option will be the most cost-efficient and sustainable in the long term.

A preliminary evaluation of the available data on heat supply reveals that around 90% of the heating demand in the area south of the B127 is currently met using fossil fuels, primarily natural gas. Given the existing heat demand density, the area lies in a grey zone with respect to the common benchmarks for the economic operation of a high-temperature district heating network based on biomass.

For this reason, the project adopts a modular, zone-specific approach, defining multiple zones with varying heat demand densities, each of which is assessed for suitable solution scenarios and types of heating networks.

Content and Objectives

The "ModularHeatNet" project explores a range of innovative solutions, including a modular structure of the heating system with subnetworks, the integration of multiple energy sources, and improved summer comfort through the simultaneous provision of cooling energy. Potential synergies with upcoming civil engineering work are also to be taken into account.

A further core objective is the development of suitable implementation and business models, as well as a concrete roadmap for execution. The involvement of local project partners with expertise in civil engineering and the thermal use of groundwater ensures the practical applicability and validation of the project outcomes.

Expected Outcomes

A key result of the project will be the technical, economic, organizational, and ecological comparison of the analyzed heat supply approaches for various types of settlements. This is closely linked with the development and evaluation of innovative organizational and business models.

The municipality of Ottensheim will receive a robust basis for decision-making regarding the decarbonization of its heat supply. Through the creation of a step-by-step roadmap, residents will gain improved planning security and guidance for their own investment decisions, thereby increasing acceptance among citizens and key stakeholders.

If a communal, decarbonized heating network solution is implemented, residents will ultimately benefit from economies of scale and lower total lifecycle costs.