AnergieHernals+

The City of Vienna aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. In outlying districts such as Hernals, where no central district heating supply is planned, alternative solutions are needed to decarbonize heating in existing neighborhoods. Local anergy networks offer great potential here, as multiple buildings can jointly utilize environmental heat sources such as geothermal energy, groundwater, or air. However, implementation poses significant challenges: heterogeneous ownership structures, conflicting interests, and unresolved questions regarding technical feasibility, financing, and organization complicate the process. To date, there is a lack of practical implementation models that equally address technical, legal, and social requirements and guide property owners through the implementation process in a structured manner.

Objective of the AnergieHernals+ project

The goal of the project is to systematically prepare and explore anergy networks in existing neighborhoods of Vienna, particularly in Hernals, where no central district heating is planned. Building on existing findings from projects such as Anergie Urban and AnergieWieNeu+, the project aims to identify potential pilot clusters and develop concrete guidelines for implementation. The innovative aspect is the integrative approach, in which technical, social, and legal aspects are given equal consideration. A key outcome is the development of a replicable, practical 10-step implementation roadmap that maps out all phases, from the initial idea through organizational and business models to the solicitation of bids and selection of the best bidder. In the long term, this is intended to facilitate the rollout of urban anergy networks.

Approach and methodology of the AnergieHernals+ project

The project builds on existing preliminary work and takes a systematic exploratory approach to anergy networks in existing neighborhoods. First, potential pilot clusters in Hernals will be identified and analyzed for their technical, legal, and organizational feasibility. At the same time, property owners will be actively involved and supported through workshops, advisory sessions, and facilitated decision-making processes. Particular attention is given to developing new cooperation models for heterogeneous ownership structures, as well as analyzing resistance and barriers to implementation. Based on these findings, organizational and business models will be developed and consolidated into a transferable 10-step implementation roadmap. The project is being implemented by ÖGUT and MA 25, which are contributing their expertise in the energy transition, citizen participation, and urban development.

Expected results of the AnergieHernals+ project

The project provides concrete planning and decision-making frameworks for implementing local anergy networks in existing neighborhoods in Vienna. Key findings include the identification of suitable pilot clusters, the engagement and mobilization of property owners, the analysis of technical and legal frameworks, and the development of appropriate organizational and business models. Of particular importance is the practical, replicable 10-step plan, which structures the entire implementation process and serves as a model solution for future projects. Furthermore, the prepared or implemented anergy networks serve as demonstration examples that highlight the technical, economic, and legal feasibility of shared supply solutions in existing neighborhoods. This creates a robust template for future urban anergy network projects.

Benefits and impact of the AnergieHernals+ project

The project makes an important contribution to the heat transition and climate neutrality in Vienna and Austria. It lays the groundwork for implementing local, sustainable heating and cooling solutions in areas without centralized district heating, thereby strengthening the resilience of urban energy supply. From an environmental perspective, it supports the decarbonization of the building stock and the use of renewable geothermal heat sources. Socially, it promotes affordable housing, cooperative decision-making processes, and the active involvement of property owners in the energy transition. Through the developed 10-step plan and the demonstration effect of the implemented anergy networks, a replicable model with high scaling potential for other neighborhoods and municipalities is created.

This project is funded by the “Leuchttürme der Wärmewende (Flagship Projects for the Heating Transition)” program and is being carried out as part of the Alliance for Green Heating and Cooling innovation Lab.