DieWärmePioniere - Participatory climate transformation roadmap as basis for a demo district in the gas-supplied Kahlenbergerdorf

Development of a transformation roadmap for the decarbonization of a neighborhood and implementation of a subarea. Securing acceptance of the project and raising awareness through an active participation process of the population and the establishment of an energy community for heat supply.

Short Description

Initial situation, problems and motivation

Kahlenbergerdorf in Vienna is taking the initiative to pioneer the implementation of the heating transition. In a newly founded association, the motivated residents want to work together to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to supply heat to their buildings. They are taking responsibility for the next generation and planning to convert the energy system in the neighbourhood to renewable energy sources. The central focus is on the heating transition in the neighbourhood, in particular the conversion from a natural gas-based to a renewable heating supply. To realise this project, an integrated, climate-neutral energy concept for heating, cooling and power supply will be developed at the outset.

Goals and innovation

The overarching, long-term goal of Kahlenbergerdorf is the transformation to a climate-neutral neighbourhood by 2040, in line with the goals of Austria and Vienna. In preparation for this transformation, the implementation of a demonstration project for the urban heat transition in a sub-area is being prepared as part of a transformation roadmap for the neighbourhood. The objectives of the project were

  • Development of a roadmap for concrete technical measures for decarbonisation, including an implementation schedule.
  • Securing acceptance of the planned implementation measures for climate neutrality through an active participation process of building owners and residents.
  • Development of an "energy community plus" business and organisational model, which, in addition to the PV energy community, also includes the implementation of the heating transition and the consideration of new needs such as e-charging stations.
  • Selection of a sub-area for the realisation of a demonstration project for the transformation into a climate-neutral neighbourhood.

Methodological approach

A GIS-based urban information model was used to develop the transformation roadmap. When creating the model, not only the current status of the buildings was taken into account, but also the potential available at the location. Open government data (OGD) from Open Data Austria was used as a basis; further data was collected using questionnaires and during an on-site inspection. Based on this model, all buildings were categorised into transformation paths and a pilot area was identified for implementation in consultation with the residents.

Dynamic simulations for individual typologies were carried out for the technical concept and Earth Energy Designer was used to design the geothermal probes. The technical components were designed using the results of the simulation and engineering methods. A life cycle cost analysis was carried out for the economic analysis. In addition, the Klimadörfl association developed its own dynamic simulation model that simulates the heat pumps, thermal regeneration and the integration of a heating network.

Results and conclusions

A heat-energy community was successfully established in Kahlenbergerdorf, consisting primarily of a group of interested residents. This community succeeded in activating other people for decarbonisation. A significant result of the project is the strengthening of social life in the village and an increased interest in phasing out the use of gas. In the course of the project, technical solutions were also developed and evaluated in terms of feasibility and heat prices. The conclusion from these results is a clear focus on decarbonisation at the level of individual buildings and smaller building clusters. For individual buildings where there are serious technical challenges, the focus will be on cross-building heating solutions and the utilisation of the parish garden for geothermal probes.

Outlook

The heat-energy community will continue to be actively pursued in Kahlenbergerdorf, even if it is no longer used as an instrument for establishing a central heating network. The heat-energy community is now taking on the role of sponsor for the decarbonisation process in the neighbourhood. The main objective is to start a pilot process together with interested building owners and to develop and test a new decarbonisation management system.

The decarbonisation management not only includes the technical analysis and planning of the implementation measures, but also supports the building owners throughout the entire process up to commissioning. This includes support in utilising subsidies and financing, tendering and awarding contracts, quality assurance during the construction phase and commissioning as well as communicating and informing those affected and the village as a whole.

The first step involves the implementation of the pilot buildings, followed by the recruitment of further "followers" who are to implement decarbonisation next. This step-by-step approach not only enables the testing and optimisation of decarbonisation management, but also promotes the dissemination and acceptance of the concept throughout the entire Kahlenberg village.

Project Partners

Project management

e7 energy innovation & engineering

Project or cooperation partners

  • realitylab GmbH
  • Verein zur Förderung der Klimaneutralität im Kahlenbergerdörfl (KLIMADÖRFL)

Contact Address

DI (FH) Gerhard Hofer
Walcherstraße 11/43
A-1020 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 907 80 26 - 55
E-mail: gerhard.hofer@e-sieben.at
Web: www.e-sieben.at