Against the background of the current energy market developments, the growing problems concerning climate change and a possible investment in a new power-heat coupling or biomass heating plant, it is planned to realise a basic analysis of chances and risks of the existing district heat business in Bad Hersfeld. This analysis is to show the economic risks of district heat supply, but also their potential for development. Based on this research, concepts for the company and the advancement of the assets are to be developed, taking the economical as well as the ecological risks sufficiently into account. The analysis aims at providing concrete recommandations to the public utilities of Bad Hersfeld, which enable them to evaluate the impact of the current development of district heat plants, to sustainably advance the company, and to plan precise amelioration measures.

The following work packages result from the described aims:

• Analysis of the asset investment and the operational mode;
• Analysis of the development potentials concerning the amelioration of the efficiency and the eco friendliness of district heat supply;
• Proposals related to the improvement of net and heat production;
• A rough estimation of costs, a calculation of profitability by approximation, design of a development concept, economical and ecological prospects.

The involved project partners will mainly be responsible for metrological tasks within the research project focussing on optimisation proposals and alternative heat production under economic aspects. The Wuppertal Institute will discuss these alternatives with the project partners and coordinate the final report in addition to the global project coordination. The Institute also supports the project partners in the oral presentation of results to the clients.