Background/Motivation

The project "LoPQ" explores integrated supply concepts based on energy networks for urban neighborhoods. It combines technological, economic, and sociopolitical aspects of the heating transition.

Twenty neighbourhoods (from the pioneer large and small cities) in various development phases are systematically explored and evaluated based on comprehensive data analyses.

Contents and goals

The goal is to select five broadly established pilot districts within the project duration and to prepare innovative approaches in these neighbourhoods for the use of renewable energy sources—such as geothermal energy, heat pumps, waste heat, and solar thermal energy—in an intelligently controlled low-temperature network (anergy grid) for further demonstrations in R&D&I projects.

Methodical Approach

During this exploratory project, specific tools will be tested and evaluated using these selected pioneer quarters. Following the selection of appropriate tools, feasibility studies including climate adaptation scenarios will be conducted for the selected quarters, one of which will ultimately be proposed for a follow-up R&D&I project.

This work is supplemented by the development of new operating and financing models, as well as participatory cooperation structures and the elaboration of legal frameworks. This represents the first time these elements are considered holistically.

Expected Results

The interdisciplinary consortium, consisting of 

• AEE INTEC,
• Geosphere Austria,
• the Salzburg Institute for Regional Planning and Housing (SIR), and
• Beyond Carbon Energy, 

brings together expertise in energy technology, geosciences, urban development, and economic development. This approach is intended to create scalable and practical solutions for a sustainable heating transition in urban districts.

Should all 20 explored districts be implemented as planned in the coming years, there is the potential to save approximately 25,600 t of CO2 equivalents annually in the medium term. The required investments amount to around 1.9 billion Euros.

Project management

AEE INTEC

Project or cooperation partners

• Geosphere Austria
• SIR - Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und Wohnen
• Beyond Carbon Energy

AEE INTEC
Franz Hengel
Feldgasse 19
A-8200 Gleisdorf
Tel.: +43 (3112) 5886 - 241
E-Mail: f.hengel@aee.at