Wärmezukunft Steyr - Innovative Models for Climate-Neutral Heat Supply in Steyr

The project aims to establish the foundation for a climate-neutral, socially inclusive, and economically viable heating and cooling system in a pioneer city. It combines technical planning with governance approaches and the development of business and operator models. A special focus is placed on anergy networks, which - despite high upfront investments - offer strong potential for low-temperature, dual-purpose heating and cooling supply.

Short Description

Initial Situation, Challenges, Motivation

The City of Steyr is pursuing ambitious climate neutrality goals through its Steyr 2040 Climate Neutrality Roadmap. A key lever to achieve these goals is the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector, which is currently still heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Transforming this sector requires deep structural, technical, and organisational changes and is associated with significant uncertainties - especially in dealing with heterogeneous urban structures, existing infrastructure, and limited municipal resources.

The existing district heating network is operated at a high temperature level (120°C), serving industrial customers, and is supplied by a biomass CHP plant with fossil peak load coverage. In other parts of the city, decentralised oil and gas heating systems dominate.

In this context, Steyr is launching an integrated heating and cooling supply plan as a key measure in its climate roadmap. The project Wärmezukunft Steyr explores the feasibility of integrated heat planning and addresses the technical, economic, and institutional challenges - with a particular focus on cooperative energy solutions such as anergy networks.

Objectives and Innovation

Key innovative elements include:

Development of a GIS-based heating and cooling plan with zone-specific typologies
Strategic transformation of the gas distribution grid
Creation of business and operator models for cooperative, climate-friendly heating networks
Supporting the municipal "Climate Team" to ensure long-term implementation capacity

Instead of focusing on individual technologies, the project delivers an integrated district heating strategy that combines technical, economic, and governance aspects, tailored to the urban context and neighbourhood typologies. This creates a scalable and transferable planning approach for other cities in Austria.

Expected Results and Outcomes

The feasibility study lays the groundwork for future implementation projects in Steyr and beyond. Expected results include:

A detailed heating and cooling plan for the city, with clear zoning and modular supply concepts
Validated business and operational models for anergy and other decarbonised heating systems
A transition roadmap for the gas network
Selection and pre-planning of a pilot neighbourhood
A dedicated cross-sectoral implementation team within the city administration

The project will deliver practical tools and decision-making support for municipalities, utilities, planners, investors, and property owners. Through participatory processes and inclusive planning, it also contributes to social equity. The outcomes are immediately applicable and transferable to other cities facing similar challenges.

Project Partners

Project management

e7 GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

Fernwärme Steyr GmbH
Stadtbetriebe Steyr GmbH
PlanSinn Planung & Kommunikation GmbH

Contact Address

Dipl.-Ing. Christof Amann
Hasengasse 12/2
A-1100 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 907 80 26-58
E-mail: christof.amann@e-sieben.at
Web: www.e-sieben.at