Scientific support and impact assessment for a basic funding program for the transformation of heating networks

Final report, preliminary version Service in accordance with the framework agreement to advise Department II of the BMWi

Authors: Martin Pehnt, Sebastian Blömer, Angelika Paar

Around three quarters of district heating generation is based on the direct use of fossil fuels, in particular coal and gas-fired combined heat and power plants. District heating networks are also an important supply element in the future. They help to tap into renewable energy sources and waste heat potential at optimized economic and business costs and also to supply densely populated areas or heat sinks in the vicinity of larger climate-friendly heat sources in a sustainable manner. However, renewable energies in district heating networks often have an economic efficiency gap compared to fossil alternatives. In this project, a funding concept for a "federal program for efficient heating networks" is being developed based on a detailed examination of the economic viability, the funding landscape, the legal framework and the characteristics of the individual technologies.