Today, IKEM published a legal paper on sector-coupled heat supply in neighborhoods, which was developed as part of the HybridBOT_FW project. The study shows that although the existing legal framework opens up initial positive approaches for innovative district solutions, there is still a need for reform in order to enable a comprehensive decentralized energy transition.
The heating transition is a core component of the energy transition – because heating accounts for more than half of final energy consumption. In order to achieve the climate targets, this sector must be systematically decarbonized. The central challenge here is the integration of renewable energies. The HybridBOT_FW project is therefore testing operating concepts for district heating systems that link the electricity and heating sectors, make efficient use of locally generated renewable energy – from photovoltaics, for example – and integrate it into the heat supply using power-to-heat technologies such as heat pumps.
IKEM scientists have examined the legal framework for these concepts and come to the conclusion that there are numerous legal obstacles to such a sector-coupled heat supply. These include unclear definitions of customer installations, extensive supplier obligations for electricity supply in the district and a lack of economic incentives for the use of power-to-heat technologies.
These factors would inhibit the implementation of decentralized supply concepts, explains Yannick Würkert, author of the study and scientific advisor at IKEM:
“Neighborhoods are ideal places for the energy and heating transition – this is where local production, consumption and infrastructure come together directly. The development of a sector-coupled heat supply is not only technically possible there, but also makes sense for climate protection. However, legal uncertainty and economic considerations are currently making it difficult to invest in decentralized supply concepts.
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In their paper, the IKEM scientists therefore formulate concrete recommendations for the further development of the legal framework:
- Introduction of a nationwide solar obligation: Mandatory installation of photovoltaic systems in new buildings and major renovations would strengthen local electricity generation and create the basis for sector-coupled systems.
- Clarification of the definition of customer installations: A legally secure definition is necessary to enable the use of shared energy infrastructures in the neighborhood without exposing operators to disproportionate obligations.
- Implementation of the energy sharing model: The shared use of electricity within energy communities should be enshrined in law and made practicable – as is already provided for under European law.
- Price reductions for heat pump electricity: A targeted reduction in taxes, levies and grid charges for electricity used for power-to-heat technologies would significantly improve their economic efficiency.
- Reform of district heating price regulation: Transparent and flexible pricing for district heating is necessary in order to promote investment in innovative heating networks and treat consumers fairly.
- Expansion of time-variable grid charges: Grid-oriented price structures can create incentives for grid-friendly control of electricity consumption and feed-in – especially for heat pumps and storage solutions.
The HybridBOT_FW project (transformation and operational optimization of heating grids for the development of hybrid grid structures for grid-supportive district supply) is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
