Municipal Heat Planning for Ransbach-Baumbach

Project Structure and Workflow

As part of the municipal heat planning for the municipal association Ransbach-Baumbach, an initial baseline analysis was conducted. This involved collecting building data (e.g. construction year, usage, renovation status), heat demand figures (approx. 377 GWh/a), and information on the existing heat supply infrastructure. The analysis drew on consumption data, cadastral information, chimney sweep records, and a digital twin that enabled a spatial representation of the current situation.

Building on this, a potential analysis was carried out to identify technical opportunities for using renewable energy sources such as solar thermal, photovoltaics, and geothermal energy, as well as potential for reducing heat demand through building retrofits. The use of industrial waste heat and ambient heat was also assessed.

In the next step, a target scenario for 2040 was developed. This outlines the future heat supply with climate neutrality as a guiding principle and includes the designation of district heating zones (Ransbach, Baumbach, Wirscheid), an assessment zone (Nauort), and individual supply areas for decentralised solutions. Transformation pathways and scenarios were also developed (District Heating Base, District Heating Optimistic, Hydrogen, and Decentralised Supply).

Finally, a measures catalogue was compiled, defining concrete implementation steps, including:

• Feasibility studies for district heating networks (incl. BEW funding),

• Public relations and citizen participation,

• Evaluation of ownership and operating models for heat networks,

• Coordination with industry on waste heat utilisation,

• Information services for building renovation and heating systems.

heatbeat was responsible for the technical work packages, including data analysis, development of the digital twin, and scenario modelling, while EMCEL led project management, public engagement, and stakeholder coordination. Joint workshops were conducted with municipal administration, political representatives, and stakeholders. The project concluded with the preparation of a final report and a public information event.

Scope of Services

heatbeat's services included:

• Baseline analysis of all relevant buildings, including digital data collection

• Block-level modelling within the Digital Twin

• Potential analysis for building retrofits, renewable energies, and waste heat

• Development of a target scenario for municipal heat planning

• Support for strategic heat transition planning, including prioritisation of measures, interactive workshops for engaging local stakeholders, and preparation of a final report covering all key findings

Use of the Digital Twin

The heatbeat Digital Twin served as the central platform for visualising and analysing all project-related data. Through block-level mapping of building information and renewable energy potentials, a precise and transparent basis for decision-making was established. The Digital Twin also enabled georeferenced visualisation of the target scenario and supported the development of a realistic transformation pathway for the municipal heat transition.