BM Retrofit

This research project has been completed. Access the profiles of the demonstration sites (Wald im Pinzgau, Saalfelden, and Kreuzstetten) here (available in German only).

While urban heat supply in Austria was still largely based on fossil fuels and fossil-fuel-fired CHP plants 50 to 70 years ago, rural regions began establishing local district heating networks based on solid biomass around 1990. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 biomass-based district heating plants and about 150 biomass CHP plants in operation throughout Austria. Oil and/or natural gas boilers are generally used to cover peak loads and as a backup. Biomass-based district heating networks thus represent an efficient and flexible pillar of the energy transition.

However, older district heating networks in particular face a growing need for renovation and modernization in order to meet current and future technical, economic, and regulatory requirements and to enable the sustainable strategic expansion of the district heating network. In practice, concept development often lacks a systemic and holistic approach, and measures tend to be implemented in isolation rather than as coordinated packages. As a result, the existing potential for optimization often remains untapped.

Objective of the BM Retrofit project

The aim of the project was to a) adapt and further develop existing heating networks to future requirements, b) make a significant contribution to the achievement of the set climate targets and c) strengthen the economic benefits, including local added value.

Systems integration, combined with the full involvement of relevant stakeholders and the expansion of services and business models, is currently not applied in practice when developing modernization concepts. As a result, the existing potential is not fully exploited.

Approach and methodology of the BM Retrofit project

As part of the BM Retrofit project, a holistic methodological approach was developed that combines technical, organizational, and systemic measures. This integrated strategy made it possible to adapt existing district heating networks to future requirements and further develop them. The resulting concepts were demonstrated at three pilot sites, known as demonstrators, namely Wald im Pinzgau, Saalfelden, and Kreuzstetten, as well as in several specific use cases. The entire process was supported, from identifying site-specific challenges through concept development, detailed planning, and implementation to data monitoring and optimization.

The BM-Retrofit approach thus enabled the realization of a sustainable overall energy system a) with increased overall efficiency and flexibility, b) with the best possible use of renewable and local energy sources, c) by fully exploiting the synergies of existing infrastructures and d) by creating a future-proof and resilient system. This resulted in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, as well as increased security of supply and economic efficiency.

Demonstrators of the BM Retrofit project

Based on a comprehensive monitoring period, the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of the implemented measures were systematically analyzed. In addition, life-cycle assessments and value chain analyses were conducted to evaluate the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy consumption, and domestic value added. An online tool and scaling scenarios were developed to assess the market potential and the impacts on the energy system. These comprehensive assessments provided valuable insights for further development and transfer to the district heating sector.

The identification and engagement of stakeholders and key players was another key factor in the project’s success. Active engagement included workshops, informational materials, and public events such as open houses to showcase innovations at the demonstration sites. These activities fostered dialogue between operators and citizens, improved transparency, strengthened public trust, and provided valuable feedback that proved crucial for acceptance.

BM Retrofit has demonstrated that the transformation of heating networks can be achieved within a relatively short period of time. A system-wide integrated approach is just as essential as the application of innovative methods that are firmly anchored in a long-term development strategy.

This research approach has enabled the implementation of smart energy systems that increase overall efficiency and flexibility while reducing emissions. It supports the optimal use of locally available energy sources, leverages synergies within existing infrastructure, and creates future-proof, sustainable, and economically viable systems. These systemic solutions have established a pioneering role in this field at the national and European levels, with high potential for replication and scalability.

For more information on the individual heating networks and demonstrators, please visit the linked detail pages.

• Demonstration project BM Retrofit Wald im Pinzgau
• Demonstration project BM Retrofit Saalfelden
• Demonstration project BM Retrofit Kreuzstetten