BAT&P: Showcasing the Future of District Heating in Germany

The BAT&P (Best Available Technology & Planning) project aims to accelerate the green heating transition in Germany, starting in Baden-Württemberg and expanding across the country. The core objective is to demonstrate how district heating (DH), combined with modern heat planning and state-of-the-art technologies, can become a cornerstone in Germany’s efforts to move away from fossil fuels for heating.

Through the development of a comprehensive municipal heat plan for a selected town in Baden-Württemberg, BAT&P will showcase how local authorities can use structured planning to unlock the full potential of district heating. The plan will be shared with other municipalities in the region and beyond through targeted dissemination activities, inspiring broader uptake of heat planning and DH solutions throughout Germany.

District heating as a key climate solution

By applying Best Available Technology and Planning, the project highlights how DH systems can achieve higher efficiency and operate at lower temperatures. This enables the integration of low-temperature heat sources, such as industrial excess heat and renewable energy, thereby strengthening the overall business case for DH.

Model municipal heat plan in Baden-Württemberg

A municipal heat plan is a vital foundation for achieving a climate-neutral heat supply. In Baden-Württemberg and other German states, good heat planning is key to increasing the share of district heating. DH offers a collective and flexible energy solution that efficiently replaces individual fossil-based systems, such as oil and gas boilers, with local, fossil-free, and often otherwise wasted heat sources.

Reducing emissions through smart networks

District heating plays a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the heating sector. Cities have diverse energy resources that, when connected through a district heating network, can be optimized for environmental and economic benefit. The BAT&P project aims to empower local authorities and utilities to harness these opportunities.

Bringing Danish Expertise to Germany

Denmark stands as a prime example of what is possible: 68% of Danish households are connected to a district heating network that is already 75% fossil-free. This contributes significantly to Denmark’s position as one of the most energy-efficient economies in the world.

With BAT&P, we bring Danish experience and innovation to Germany, helping to pave the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient heating future.