The municipality of Weyhe, with a population of 32,000, near Bremen wants to be climate neutral by 2035. To achieve this goal in the area of heating, a heating network with local energy sources is to be created, for example with wastewater heat and a boiler for local green waste. The “Suburban heat transition” project has been supporting the process since 2017. Together with the municipality of Weyhe, the research team is investigating how a local heating network can be successfully implemented in the center of Leeste. 

The info sheet explains key findings from the second phase of the project and presents the studies and measures that have been carried out. It provides insights into the survey of building owners in the potential supply area. It also presents the participation formats tested in the project, such as the Climate Academy and the Climate Market.  

In the research project “Suburban heat transition 2”, the IÖW has developed two additional info sheets that support municipalities – especially those without municipal utilities – in the implementation of heating networks. These are based on findings from the course of the project, existing literature, and interviews with pioneering municipalities and experts from the field. An introductory info sheet highlights key issues relating to the planning and implementation of network concepts. A second info sheet presents different operator models in detail and highlights their respective advantages and challenges.