Municipal heat planning
On this page we will inform you in future about the latest developments in municipal heat planning, the preparation process, key milestones and provide answers to frequently asked questions.
On the way to a greenhouse gas-neutral heat supply
© Envato.com
The Heat Planning Act obliges local authorities to draw up a municipal heat planning programme. This is an important planning process for a greenhouse gas-neutral, efficient heat supply. It is an informal planning process that forms a strategic basis for further implementation measures towards climate neutrality.
To date, the majority of the heat supply in Bocholt has been provided by fossil fuels: according to the final energy balance for 2020, less than 4 per cent of the heating requirements of private households, for example, were covered by renewable energies and over 80 per cent by natural gas.
The heat planning gives the city the opportunity to develop a strategy for the transformation of the heat supply in the form of an initial municipal master plan . The aim is to develop recommendations for a greenhouse gas-neutral and sustainable heat supply and actively shape the heat transition. A "municipal heating plan" initially has no external impact on the individual property owners.
© Envato.com
In June 2024, work began on drawing up the heating plan in close cooperation with Bocholter Energie und Wasserversorgung GmbH. The city of Bocholt has commissioned con|energy consult GmbH as a consulting company to develop the plan.
Initially, a project roadmap was drawn up in which the current heat consumption and the existing heating infrastructure in the city area were analysed in detail as a first step. Based on this, a potential analysis for renewable energies and energy savings will be carried out.
Finally, strategies and measures for reducing the heat demand and for the transformation towards a greenhouse gas-neutral heat supply are developed for the individual urban areas.
As a strategic, informal planning instrument, the heating plan does not yet make any binding statements for individual households with regard to a short-term heating changeover!
The project is expected to run until June 2025 and is an important step towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy supply for the city of Bocholt.
Municipal heating planning pursues several important goals:
-
Increasing
- energy efficiency: The use of modern technology and optimised processes should reduce the energy consumption of the heat supply. Promoting
- renewable energies:
- The use of renewable energy sources is to be increased in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Securing
- the heat supply:
- The focus is on a stable and affordable heat supply for all citizens. Division
- into prospective heat supply areas:
- Different areas of the municipality are divided according to their likely future heat supply type (e.g. centralised, decentralised supply) and shown in the heating plan.
Phases of heat planning
Suitability test
Inventory analysis
The actual heat planning starts with an inventory analysis. This analysis is used to determine the current heat consumption in a specific area at so-called building block level, taking into account the energy sources used.
In addition, existing heat generation sources and the relevant infrastructure are analysed. Specifically, information and data on the current heat supply in the area is to be systematically and qualitatively recorded as part of the inventory analysis.
The inventory analysis therefore includes a survey of the current heat demand and consumption in the areas of space heating, hot water and process heat as well as the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, information on the buildings, such as building types and age class, is collected.
The data is aggregated in such a way that personal data is protected.
Potential analysis
On the one hand, the potential analysis records the potential of renewable energies for heat supply and the unavoidable waste heat to cover demand. In addition, potentials for reducing the heat demand are determined.
The potential for unavoidable waste heat is determined as part of a stakeholder workshop and evaluated in collaboration with local stakeholders.
In this analysis, existing potentials in the city of Bocholt for the generation
and utilisation of heat from renewable energies and for the use of (unavoidable) waste heat. In addition, potential savings in heat demand for households, municipal properties, trade, commerce, services (GHD) and industry are estimated. Existing spatial, technical or legal restrictions on the utilisation of heat generation potential must be taken into account.
Target scenarios
The target scenarios are based on the results of the inventory and potential analysis and represent a possible development towards a climate-neutral heat supply for the planning area. Part of this work package is the categorisation of the area into possible heat supply areas.
Implementation strategy
An implementation strategy is developed based on the target scenarios. This contains a strategic roadmap, action strategies and concrete measures that show the next steps on the way to a climate-neutral heat supply.
Promotion
The project "Creation of a municipal heating plan for the city of Bocholt" (project duration: 01.10.2023 - 30.09.2024; funding code: 67K25865) is funded by the National Climate Protection Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) in the form of a non-repayable grant of 90 per cent of eligible expenditure.
Further information on the Federal Ministry's climate protection initiative can be found at: www.klimaschutz.de/kommunalrichtlinie
National Climate Protection Initiative
With the National Climate Initiative, the German government has been initiating and funding numerous projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions since 2008. Its programmes and projects cover a broad spectrum of climate protection activities: From the development of long-term strategies to concrete assistance and intensive support measures. This diversity is a guarantee for good ideas. The National Climate Initiative helps to anchor climate protection on the ground. It benefits consumers as well as companies, local authorities and educational institutions.
Contact us
