From Municipal Heat Planning to Viable District Heating Networks: Bridging the Gap with AI

Editorial originally published in Energynet's Kommunale Wärmeplanung Infobrief newsletter by Andreas Kühl, January 2026.

Municipal heat planning (KWP) helps identify district heating opportunities early. But turning those opportunities into viable projects is where things get complicated.

District heating projects face a narrow window to succeed. Speed matters—to secure BEW funding and reach the market before decentralized solutions like heat pumps reduce the number of potential customers.

What slows down district heating planning is that it is a complex and dynamic process. Local conditions evolve constantly: boiler replacements, street construction works, gas price fluctuations, climate change.

The solution? Digital platforms built for speed and adaptability during the planning phase. These must include complete and reliable data, optimized scenarios that can be updated in real time, collaboration between technical and commercial teams. But also integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and tools: CRMs, simulation tools, public websites.

Urbio pioneered such a solution with an AI-powered software for district heating planning. Already adopted by over 200 energy transition actors, it helps utilities, consultants, developers, and municipalities across Germany plan networks faster, cut planning costs, secure funding, and increase network ROI.

To accelerate the Energiewende, Urbio makes its technology available with a free-forever plan. And, this January, newsletter readers get a complimentary 45-minute session where Urbio's engineers set up your first project with you.

Visit www.urb.io to book your slot.

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Read the original article (in German) here