Local heating networks enable on-site resources such as geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, biogas, or locally produced biomass to be used efficiently for the heat transition. Numerous municipal heating plans have already identified suitable areas for such networks. But how can the transition from planning to implementation be achieved? When implementing heating networks, there are many things to consider in terms of planning, construction, and operation. This info sheet is aimed at municipalities that have little or no previous experience with setting up new heating networks – especially municipalities without municipal utilities. It helps them to identify key challenges and success factors at an early stage and to think ahead from the outset. 

The info sheet provides an overview of the most important steps in the various implementation phases. In addition to recommendations for action and a timeline showing the most important sub-steps, the information sheet contains tips from pilot municipalities that have already successfully implemented heating networks in the past. 

As part of the research project “Suburban heat transition 2”, the IÖW has developed a total of three info sheets for municipalities. These are based on findings from the project, existing specialist literature, and interviews with pilot municipalities and experts from the field. An in-depth info sheet highlights key issues relating to the choice of a suitable operating model. The third info sheet, which was developed in collaboration with the project partners – the Technical University of Berlin and the Stuhr/Weyhe Environmental Center (UZSW) – presents the case study examined in the project: the planned local heating network in the German municipality of Weyhe.