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. Above all, the use of LTDH makes sense 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 LowTEMP (Low Temperature District Heating for the Baltic Sea Region) project 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 integral 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, aconium GmbH had the opportunity to present the project idea and 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 will benefit from these findings. Consequently, they showed great interest in the project presentation.
The focus of the network conference, which took place at 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 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 a Smart City and harmonise it with important local development trends and measures.
Background:
As part of the German-Austrian Urban Network, cities in both countries are supported in the implementation of holistic, integrated urban development concepts. With the help of the network, a regular exchange is possible, moderated for many years now by the German Association for Housing, Urban Planning and Spatial Planning e. V. (DV). EU Structural Funds provide the financing of the network.
In the LowTEMP project, 19 Baltic Sea Region partners are working on joint, sustainable and adaptable solutions to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The development and dissemination of knowledge on this topic are just as important as the implementation of pilot projects and the development of financing strategies.
Photo: Pipes for district heating
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