Numerous municipalities are placing their trust in greenwind when it comes to Municipal Heat Planning (MHP). The municipalities of Barnim-Oderbruch, Meyenburg, and Breitenfelde, as well as the town of Mansfeld, have recently chosen greenwind to support their planning efforts. Site concepts for renewable energy generation facilities and feasibility studies for district heating networks, for example in Mansfeld and Siebeneichen, are currently being developed. With professional planning services from greenwind, successful municipal heat planning has already been achieved in Mansfeld, Schorfheide, Falkenberg/Elster, and Brieselang.

A key focus of our municipal heat planning approach is the involvement of local stakeholders. In Brieselang, this included neighboring municipalities such as Wustermark and Nauen, the local housing cooperative, citizen representatives, the planned data center, and others. How successful was this approach? We asked Brieselang’s Mayor, Kathrin Neumann-Riedel:

Mayor Neumann-Riedel: “The workshops provided an excellent opportunity to bring all stakeholders together and create a constructive introduction to the topic. At the same time, participants were able to contribute their concerns and suggestions comprehensively.”

What are the next concrete steps?

Mayor Neumann-Riedel: “Against the backdrop of rising energy costs, climate-neutral heat supply is a central element of this planning process. The first step is to commission the feasibility study for a district heating network. We must develop investment strategies and attract partners. Municipal heat planning is an ongoing process that requires continuous updating. This responsibility is assigned to the municipality’s development department.”

What recommendations would you give to other municipalities?

Mayor Neumann-Riedel: “I encourage other municipalities not to see municipal heat planning as a burdensome obligation, but as an opportunity to actively and sustainably shape the heat transition.”

Digital Twin for Municipalities

To support the continuous development of municipal heat planning, greenwind provides its clients with an interactive map developed by our colleague Christopher Curran. This digital twin contains extensive information for every building within the planning area, including building geometry and energy supply data.

It is a valuable tool for spatial planning, heat demand calculations, and assessing the potential for wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy. Beyond municipal heat planning, the digital twin also supports the preparation of land-use plans, integrated neighborhood development concepts, and feasibility studies.

greenwind relies on an open-source solution with no licensing costs, ensuring long-term usability and flexibility for municipalities.

Talk to us!
Jacob Fengler, Project Manager