Author: atene KOM

Low temperature district heating (LTDH) implements 4th generation heat grids – higher energy efficiency, lower flow temperatures, lower heat losses and a significantly higher proportion of regenerative energy sources characterise this new technology. The use of LTDH makes sense, above all, in the construction of new residential areas and the energy-efficient refurbishment and modernisation of existing buildings, as higher energy efficiency of buildings also makes energy-efficient heat supply possible.

The project LowTEMP (Low Temperature District Heating for the Baltic Sea Region) is working on implementable solutions for the use of LTDH in urban neighbourhoods. The focus is on questions concerning the technical and organisational realisation, but also on the financing of necessary infrastructure measures at district and building level. The involvement of important partners such as energy agencies, housing associations, city administrations and potential suppliers of LTDH is also an important part of the project.

Whether and how LTDH can be used is also a question that the members of the German-Austrian Urban Network deal with. They work in the context of the holistic conversion of city districts with different starting conditions and aims. At the 68th conference of this network in Leipzig on the 24th and 25th of May 2018, atene KOM GmbH had the opportunity to present the project idea and present findings of LowTEMP. Since LowTEMP is in the start-up phase, the project cannot yet provide conclusive answers and solution models. However, with the help of the next two and a half years of planned activities and results, this will be possible. The members of the Urban Network can then benefit from it, who showed great interest after the project presentation.

The focus of the Network conference, which took place on the Old Stock Exchange in Leipzig, was on current developments in the city of Leipzig. Numerous representatives from Austrian and German municipalities and regions as well as experts from ministries and from the European Commission seized the opportunity for knowledge exchange and discussions. In addition to energy efficiency and holistic district renewal, a key topic at the conference was Smart Cities. It became clear that every city must individually define their concept of Smart City and bring harmonise it with important local development trends and measures.

As part of the German-Austrian Urban Network, cities in both countries are supported in the implementation of holistic, integrated urban development concepts. Through the network, a regular exchange is possible, that has been moderated for many years by the German Association for Housing, Urban Planning and Spatial Planning e. V. (DV). The financing of the network is provided by EU Structural Funds.