DHFuture4MZ

Mürzzuschlag has significant potential for renewable energy from wind and solar power. At the same time, there are infrastructure bottlenecks in the power grid, particularly at the substation and along the 110-kV transmission line, which prevent surplus electricity from being fully fed into the grid during peak hours. Furthermore, selling this electricity is often economically unattractive when spot market prices are low or negative. At the same time, the local district heating supply, with an annual demand of around 27 GWh, has so far relied predominantly on biomass. However, biomass should be used as selectively as possible for applications that require high temperatures. Consequently, there is a lack of an integrated concept that systematically combines renewable electricity surpluses, heat generation, storage options, and grid optimization.

Objective of theDHFuture4MZ project

The goal of the project is to develop a comprehensive concept, viable from both an energy and economic perspective, for a diversified, price-stable, and future-oriented district heating supply in Mürzzuschlag. The innovative aspect lies in linking locally available renewable electricity generation with the heat supply to efficiently convert surplus electricity from wind and solar energy into heat and utilize it on-site. Specifically, the project aims to identify suitable combinations of technologies, including industrial heat pumps, solar thermal systems, seasonal heat storage, and grid-side optimization measures. The goal is to use biomass more efficiently, reduce dependence on individual energy sources, improve economic viability, and enhance regional supply security. In the long term, the project aims to establish a climate-friendly district heating strategy that supports the grid.

Approach and methodology of the DHFuture4MZ project

The project takes a holistic exploratory approach that considers electricity and heating systems together. The focus is on analyzing a suitable mix of technologies for district heating, particularly by incorporating industrial heat pumps, solar thermal energy, seasonal heat storage systems, and grid-side measures such as temperature reductions. In this process, energy-related and economic feasibility is systematically examined, and various supply scenarios are evaluated. The analysis takes into account both the availability of surplus renewable electricity and the heat demand of the local district heating network. The goal of this methodological work is to develop a robust implementation strategy that combines technical feasibility, economic viability, security of supply, and grid benefits.

Expected results of the DHFuture4MZ project

The project provides a well-founded overall concept for the future district heating supply in Mürzzuschlag. It is expected to yield reliable results regarding the technical and economic feasibility of various technology combinations, particularly for the use of industrial heat pumps, solar thermal energy, seasonal heat storage systems, and grid-side optimization measures. Based on these findings, a concrete implementation strategy for the phased further development of the district heating system will be derived. The central model solution is an integrated approach that makes surplus renewable electricity usable locally while simultaneously diversifying the heat supply. Of particular relevance is the cross-sector integration of the electricity and heat systems as a model for other regions with similar grid bottlenecks and renewable generation potential.

Benefits and impact of the DHFuture4MZ project

The project provides significant benefits for the energy system, the municipality, and the region by efficiently integrating surplus renewable electricity into the district heating supply. From an environmental perspective, it contributes to reducing fossil fuel emissions and promoting a more resource-efficient use of biomass. Economically, it can reduce dependence on volatile electricity market prices, increase price stability in district heating, and make better use of existing renewable generation. For the energy system, the approach creates additional grid benefits, as surpluses can be utilized locally and grid bottlenecks can be alleviated. In the long term, the project strengthens regional security of supply and provides a transferable model for climate-neutral urban and heating development in other municipalities.

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.