Decarbonization of the heating sector in selected cities (225253-2026)

The study examines strategies and framework conditions for the decarbonisation of the heating sector in ten European cities (Munich, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Berlin, Turin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Paris and Zurich) with relevance for Vienna. Central to this are measures to convert existing district heating systems to renewable heat sources and strategies for the expansion of district heating networks. The cities pursue ambitious climate targets, but differ in terms of their local resources, legal framework conditions and infrastructural requirements. Particularly important are large-scale heat pumps, geothermal energy, waste heat use, biomass as well as new flexibility measures such as storage and digitization. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is also gaining in importance in several cities. The expansion of district heating depends heavily on political competences, investment opportunities and planning instruments such as binding heating plans. Overall, the comparison shows that integrative, long-term planning and regional cooperation are crucial for the successful decarbonisation of urban heating systems. The study examines strategies and framework conditions for decarbonizing the heating sector in ten European cities (Munich, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Berlin, Turin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Paris and Zurich) with relevance for Vienna. Central to these are measures to convert existing district heating systems to renewable heat sources and strategies for expanding district heating networks. The cities are pursuing ambitious climate targets, but differ in terms of their local resources, legal frameworks, and infrastructural conditions. Large heat pumps, geothermal energy, waste heat utilization, biomass, and new flexibility measures such as storage and digitalization are particularly important. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is gaining in importance in several decarbonization strategies. The expansion of district heating depends heavily on political competencies, investment opportunities, and planning instruments such as binding heating plans. Overall, the comparison shows that integrative, long-term planning and regional cooperation are crucial for the successful decarbonization of urban heating systems.