GLOW-Up: – Collaborative approaches to optimizing heat planning for implementation projects

In the GLOW-Up research project, the FfE is collaborating with several large cities to develop new approaches to close the gap between municipal heat planning (German: “Kommunale Wärmeplanung” (KWP))  and actual implementation. Key elements are an active network of cities, data-based decision-making, and practical demonstrations in city districts. The project results should be transferable to other cities and municipalities throughout Germany, thus making a significant contribution to the heat transition.

Motivation

According to the cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants (large cities) in Germany must complete their municipal heat planning by June 30, 2026. This makes them the first movers in the local heat transition – even though many smaller municipalities have also already started or completed their municipal heat planning. The municipal heat planning provides cities with a planning basis for how the local heat transition might take place in practice. However, they are all currently facing similar challenges in its implementation: there has been little exchange between municipalities so far, and many solutions are being developed in silos rather than collaboratively. It is therefore important to develop approaches that address the challenges between the municipal heat planning and its concrete implementation.

Project Objectives

GLOW-Up aims to accelerate the local heat transition by closing existing gaps between planning and implementation. The project aims to establish an active network of large cities that strengthens systematic exchange and develops joint approaches to key challenges. At the same time, new data-driven decision-making approaches are to be developed that go beyond the previous outcomes of the municipal heat planning and enable municipalities to make well-founded and faster implementation decisions.

By testing these approaches in real city districts, it will be ensured that the developed methods and models are suitable for practical use and can be applied in different urban contexts. The results will be summarized and distributed via multipliers so that they benefit not only the participating cities of the project, but also municipalities of all sizes throughout Germany.

Project Structure

GLOW-Up is divided into seven linked subprojects, each of them focusing on a specific approach. Figure 1 shows an overview of the project structure.

 

 

Subprojekt 1: Exchange of experiences between large cities and establishment of a network

In subproject 1, an overarching platform for exchange in the form of a network will be established within the project. Regular online and on-site workshops will be carried out. This network will enable municipalities to work closely together and highlight regional differences and similarities. The aim is to establish a sustainable network that will continue after the end of the project.

Subproject 2: Comparative cost analysis of the expansion

This subproject will examine various scenarios to determine the impact on the electricity grid if, in identified district heating network areas (or test areas), decentralized, electricity-powered heat generators (heat pumps or direct electric heating systems) are used instead of a central supply via a district heating network. The aim is, on the one hand, to assess the likelihood of district heating network areas being implemented and, on the other hand, to compare the economic costs of a potential expansion of the electricity grid due to decentralized supply with those of a possible district heating network expansion or construction.

Subproject 3: Prioritization of district heating networks and interim solutions

In subproject 3, a data-based model is used to develop a temporal prioritization of district heating network expansion areas based on factors such as heating system age, failure rates, and the availability of local heat sources. In addition, transition strategies and a monitoring concept for heating system replacement are being developed.

Subproject 4: Local district heating networks – Area identification and implementation

Subproject 4 involves the development of a partially automated geodata model that identifies and evaluates areas suitable for the construction of district heating plants in neighborhoods. The criteria and results developed from the model development and its initial application are being brought together in order to derive possible implementation strategies for different options for district heating plants.

Subproject 5: Finance and business models

Subproject 5 involves a systematic analysis of existing finance models and an assessment of these from the perspective of municipalities. In addition, a long-term finance strategy and investment plan will be developed, and the prerequisites for an attractive market for new district heating networks will be examined and evaluated.

Subproject 6: Testing and development of communication models

Digital and analogue communication models   are evaluated in terms of their possibilities and opportunities. In addition, based on the identified barriers and insights from interviews with citizens and other municipalities, communication models are adapted, further developed, and tested with selected stakeholders .

Subprojekt 7: Transfer and dissemination of results

The project results will be summarised, visualised and prepared in a way that is tailored to the respective target group. Dissemination will be ensured in collaboration with various multipliers at federal and regional level so that other municipalities can also benefit from the results.

The FfE’s project contents

The FfE is responsible for subprojects 1, 2, and 7, contributing its scientific and technical expertise in areas such as network development, scientific support, data-based modeling, synthesis, and transfer of results. Among other things, the FfE will carry out the following data analyses as part of the project:

• Modeling of district heating networks and electricity distribution networks
• Geodata-based area identification of heat generators in local district heating networks
• AI-based detection of heat pumps in airspace images for monitoring heating system replacements

Project Partners

The GLOW-Up research project consists of a strong network of municipal practice and scientific expertise. The city of Stuttgart coordinates the project and contributes extensive experience from its own KWP. FfE e.V. is responsible for key scientific work, development of models, and support for the methodological organization of the subprojects. This is complemented by the FfE GmbH, which is particularly responsible for network development and contributes its expertise from many years of project and network work as well as advising municipalities in the field of heat transition. With the cities of Cologne and Leipzig, two other major cities are involved as consortium partners.

The cities of Kiel, Hamburg, and Leipzig are supporting the project by providing practical perspectives, data, and testing areas. A broad network of national and regional multipliers—including state energy agencies, competence centers, and municipal interest groups—supports the dissemination of the project results so that these will have an impact extending beyond the project consortium.

Funding

The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as part of the 8th Energy Research Program (funding call “From Plan to Transition”) (funding number FfE e.V.: 03EN3138B, funding number FfE GmbH: 03EN3138E)