Göttingen is planning a green local heating network: funding application for study submitted!

Göttingen is planning a green local heating network: funding application for study submitted!

The city of Göttingen is planning to establish a local heating network in the Mittelberg district and has applied for a feasibility study. How goettingen.de reported, the funding application was submitted to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) as part of the federal funding for efficient heating networks (BEW). Now we just have to wait and see – the commissioning of the study depends on a positive funding commitment from BAFA.

But what exactly is the study supposed to investigate? The aim is to evaluate the technical feasibility and economic viability of a climate-friendly heating network. The project is based on findings from the Mittelberg Integrated Energy Neighborhood Concept, which has defined two suitable supply areas. Particular attention is paid to the Wilhelm Busch primary school and the Evangelical Lutheran daycare center St. Martin as central “anchor customers”. These two facilities, which are currently heated with natural gas, will in future be supplied via a renewable local heating network.

Variety of funding options

The feasibility study could not only contribute to the planning of the heating network, but also serve as a springboard for further funding. These funds are available as part of the BEW. Interestingly, the funding program is structured by four modules that build on each other, as shown bafa.de is to be read.

The first module includes transformation plans and feasibility studies for heat supply projects serving more than 16 buildings or 100 residential units. Up to 50% of the eligible costs, but a maximum of 2 million euros, can be applied for as a non-repayable grant. The aim of this funding is to convert existing heating network systems into greenhouse gas-neutral systems by 2045.

A step towards sustainability

Germany has set itself ambitious goals: net greenhouse gas neutrality should be achieved by 2045, while the EU is aiming for this goal by 2050. The Funding database emphasizes that federal funding for efficient heating networks (BEW) is intended to contribute to promoting greenhouse gas neutrality in the energy supply. The EU guidelines stipulate that at least 32% renewable energy will be used in gross final energy consumption by 2030.

The various BEW modules create an attractive offer that supports both new buildings and the transformation of existing heating networks. The local heating network planned in Göttingen could not only make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, but also serve as an example for other cities.

The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026. If everything goes well, the city of Göttingen will take an important step towards a more environmentally friendly future.