KommWeiter: Implementing the municipal heat transition

The synthesis project “KommWeiter” supports the research projects of the “Vom Plan zur Wende” (From Plan to Transition) funding program, initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The project evaluates and synthesizes results from these funded initiatives, translating them into practical applications. By doing so, "KommWeiter" supports local authorities and other key stakeholders involved in municipal heat planning and its rollout. Key objectives include:

• Systematically evaluating and consolidating results from the funded projects
• Identifying research gaps, success factors, and scalable solutions
• Fostering exchange and networking across all participating projects
• Gathering practical insights and feedback directly from local municipalities
• Sharing best practices through tailored events and knowledge-transfer formats
• Bridging the gap between academic research and local implementation

Municipal heat plans are the foundation for a successful local energy transition. However, local authorities face major hurdles when creating and implementing these strategies, including tight deadlines, limited funding, staff shortages, and a lack of specialized expertise.

The projects under the BMWE funding program "Vom Plan zur Wende" develop practical solutions to these challenges. “KommWeiter” ensures that these insights do not remain isolated. Instead, it pools expertise from diverse municipal contexts and makes it readily accessible for practical use. By promoting collaboration between researchers, local governments, and other stakeholders, the project accelerates the rollout of successful strategies.

The program delivers unique value by combining district-level solutions with macro-level energy system analyses. Both perspectives converge at the local level and must be considered during practical implementation.

Key research areas

Our interdisciplinary scientific analysis focuses on six core areas:

1. Implementing municipal heat planning at the neighborhood level

This area examines suitable district types, barriers, success factors, and transferable methods and tools.

2. Integration into the broader energy system

The focus is on linking local heat planning to the overall energy system, ensuring that municipal strategies align with national climate targets.

3. Municipal responsibilities and support structures

This area evaluates administrative workflows, responsibilities, collaborations as well as tools and networks they need to succeed.

4. Local stakeholder collaboration

The project analyzes how municipalities, local utilities, the real estate sector, and businesses can work together effectively. This includes developing viable financing, business and operating models.

5. Public participation and acceptance

The focus is on the participation of various social groups, appropriate communication and participation formats, as well as social compatibility and acceptance.

6. Data management and internal knowledge sharing

This area explores data structures, quality and processes as well as digital tools to build long-term expertise within local administrations.

"KommWeiter" actively drives collaboration and knowledge sharing. The project hosts annual networking events for all projects within the "Vom Plan zur Wende" program, alongside focused online workshops.

Additionally, an expert steering group of key stakeholders meets twice a year to discuss project findings and share these insights with their broader networks. At the same time, this group feeds practical field experience and local needs back into the ongoing research evaluations. Finally, the event series “Komm.InFahrt” and “SW.aktiv” serve as platforms for sharing synthesis results and practical project experiences.

• Institute for Ecological Economic Research (IÖW)
• Reiner Lemoine Institute (RLI)