IK-EnErGie-Knoten - Intermunicipal Electricity and District Heating Network St. Ruprecht–Weiz–Gleisdorf

The IK-EnErGie-Knoten project is developing a sector-coupled, bidirectional energy system for the climate-neutral city of the future. The intelligent networking of existing electricity and heating infrastructures and new cooperation models that transcend property boundaries are creating a scalable energy hub that serves as a model for Austria.

Short Description

Starting point / motivation

The energy transition requires more than just the expansion of renewable technologies—it demands new, systemic solutions. The IK-EnErGie-Knoten project is developing and demonstrating a prototypical supply system for the climate-neutral city of the future.

In the eastern Styrian economic region around the municipality of St. Ruprecht/Raab, an innovative energy hub is being created that connects electricity and heat locally and regionally in a sector-coupled manner – an approach that serves as a model for the whole of Austria.

The starting point is an existing energy district with two independent energy suppliers – Watzl Mühle with PV and small-scale hydropower, and Nahwärme St. Ruprecht with PV and a local heating network. Previously connected by an emergency power line, this infrastructure is now to be expanded into an active, bidirectional energy hub, creating a symbiosis between the two different types of generation.

The project will develop technical, legal, and economic concepts that enable the cooperative use of renewable energy across property boundaries – a key challenge for many regions.

Contents and goals

The aim is to link the interaction of decentralized power generation, power-to-heat technologies, heat storage systems, and regional energy communities into a flexible overall system.

The energy hub is not only relevant locally, but is also systematically integrated via its connection to the renewable energy community "EnErGie Werk Weiz" and the planned intermunicipal district heating network Weiz-Gleisdorf. This allows both fluctuating electricity surpluses and seasonal heat requirements to be balanced in an intelligent and climate-friendly manner.

Methods

The project focuses on an interdisciplinary approach: technology, operational management, ownership structures, and business models are optimized jointly. The project will be implemented in three phases—development, implementation, and monitoring—and includes specific measures such as expanding the electricity infrastructure and storage facilities, as well as the legal implementation of multi-owner concepts.

The innovative aspect lies in particular in the combination of several generation technologies, active sector coupling across different supply levels, and the use of complex ownership structures as an opportunity for new business and operating models.

The project aims to increase the self-consumption of renewable energy by at least 30%, significantly reduce heating and electricity costs, and increase regional self-sufficiency. In addition, new business models are emerging for energy communities and district and local heating network operators.

Expected results

The project is supported by a strong consortium consisting of research institutions, companies, network operators, and municipal partners, and makes a concrete contribution to the implementation of national energy and climate targets. It demonstrates how cooperative innovation can transform an existing supply cluster into a resilient, climate-neutral energy hub that is reusable, scalable, and pioneering.

Project Partners

Project management

4ward Energy Research GmbH

Contact Address

Thomas Nacht
Reininghausstraße 13a
A-8020 Graz
Tel.: +43 (664) 88 500 336
E-mail: Thomas.nacht@4wardenergy.at
Web: www.4wardenergy.at