TrafoKommunE Project Finalisation

The TrafoKommunE project (transformation process for the municipal energy transition - sector-coupled infrastructures and strategies for involving local stakeholders) analysed the transformation process with a focus on the municipal energy transition. Local energy suppliers and municipalities play a key role here. The project analyses the local expansion of renewable energy sources, the use of alternative technologies (e.g. heat pumps and battery-powered electric vehicles) and building refurbishment measures. The grid-bound energy infrastructures were analysed with regard to changing load flows and transformation paths were identified. In addition to the technical measures, TrafoKommunE also looks at possible business models for local energy suppliers and issues of acceptance among stakeholders. Furthermore, the current political framework conditions were analysed and activities were carried out to activate energy supply companies to take an active role in the local energy transition.

The results show that the refurbishment rate of buildings plays a decisive role. Higher refurbishment rates significantly reduce energy requirements. Particularly in urban and high-density areas, the expansion of district heating is economical in the long term under the framework conditions set out in the project.
The electricity grid simulation was able to show that additional loads and generators (e.g. PV, heat pumps, battery electric vehicles) lead to a significant additional load in the low-voltage grid. To counteract this development, dynamic electricity tariffs can have a positive effect on the local low-voltage grids.

The gas grid models show that the hydraulic capacity of the existing grids will continue to be sufficient in the future due to falling gas demand. However, network charges will increase due to the low number of consumers in the gas network. The partial decommissioning of gas distribution grids must be taken into account in the future. Proportional decommissioning of the networks with recognition of the decommissioning costs in the regulation is the most economically attractive option for network operators and network users. The planning of a heating network should also include the adaptation of the gas networks.

In this project, the DVGW Research Centre dealt intensively with the development of energy demand and the associated effects on the gas and heating network-based energy supply. A central part of the work was dedicated to the development of a new methodology for the coupling of heat and gas network models.
Further information on the content of the research project can be found here.