The decarbonisation of urban heat supply is one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition. This is precisely where the UrbanHP project comes in: The aim is to integrate heat pump systems into existing neighbourhoods in a system-friendly way to enable an energy-efficient, sustainable and future-proof heating and cooling supply.

Challenge: Efficient heat pumps for existing neighbourhoods

Heat pumps are considered a key technology for a climate-friendly heat supply. While they are already widely used in new buildings, their integration into existing urban structures is often complex. Different construction methods, limited space, existing heat delivery systems and increasing volatility in the energy system make their use difficult.

Our solution: Intelligent neighbourhood solutions with heat pumps

UrbanHP develops innovative system architectures and control strategies that optimally integrate heat pumps into existing neighbourhoods. We focus on this:

• Flexible load shifting through intelligent heat storage solutions and optimised operational management with advanced control systems. BEST uses its optimisation-based energy management system (EMS) framework here and will continue to develop this further during the project.
• Digital planning models for precise simulation and control of neighbourhood solutions

A key practical example is the Innovation District Inffeld in Graz, where a state-of-the-art heat pump system is being tested and optimised in real-life operation.

Sustainability and benefits

The UrbanHP project aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on campus. At the same time, operators of energy systems, local authorities, investors and energy suppliers benefit from innovative, sustainable and economical solutions for the urban heat supply of the future.

Together we are shaping the climate-neutral city of tomorrow!