Thannhausen 2.0 - Thannhausen energy district: a role model and testbed for a renewable energy supply for neighbourhoods

The review draft of the Electricity Act of 11 January 2024 enables new approaches for the shared use of renewable energy, especially in neighbourhoods. The new possibilities for direct lines (Section 50 ElWG) and closed distribution grids (Section 101 ElWG) offer completely new opportunities for direct, communal and self-determined energy supply for (climate-neutral) neighbourhoods.

The introduction of energy communities has shown that there is a need for opportunities for the communal use of renewable generation. However, this possibility is reaching its limits in terms of optimising communal consumption through the use of storage technologies due to technical (keyword: data situation) and economic (keyword: double tariffs) restrictions. Battery storage systems are currently limited to 'behind the meter' applications.

Within neighbourhoods, direct lines and closed distribution grids could solve this problem. The energy district in Thannhausen is also facing this situation; the district is currently supplied with heat via a biomass woodchip system and there is the option of charging electric vehicles. In addition, a direct line system is operated on site, which supplies 7 buildings with renewable energy.

The aim of the project is to create the Thannhausen 2.0 energy district, a climate-neutral neighbourhood that serves as a model for other districts and is used as a testbed for use cases. In the Thannhausen 2.0 project, a use case is understood to be an application of direct lines or closed distribution grids, for example with the integration of a battery storage system.

Understanding the legal framework and the possibilities of direct lines and closed distribution grids in (climate-neutral) neighbourhoods. Development of at least 5 use cases for the supply of (climate-neutral) neighbourhoods via direct lines or closed distribution grids. Testing of the 2 to 3 most relevant use cases in the Thannhausen energy neighbourhood. Achieving a self-consumption rate of 100% in the Thannhausen neighbourhood through a shared storage system. Achieving a system amortisation period of less than 15 years as a basis for replication.

In order to achieve this goal, the project is divided into 4 phases. In the first phase, the framework conditions resulting from the planned legal changes through the ElWG will be analysed. Based on this, use cases for the supply of (climate-neutral) neighbourhoods will be developed and validated in the second phase.

The validation is based on simulations. The use cases that are suitable for implementation define the technical equipment of the climate-neutral neighbourhood of Thannhausen, which will be implemented in the third phase of the project. The various use cases are then trialled during the demonstration phase of the project and recommendations are derived from this.

Project management

4ward Energy Research GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

• Energienetze Steiermark GmbH
• Gemeinde Thannhausen
• Varicon GmbH
• W.E.I.Z. Forschungs & Entwicklungs gGmbH

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