Stakeholder participation in municipal heat planning

Step by step towards the participation of specialised stakeholders in heat planning

This guide provides information on the involvement of specialised stakeholders such as public authorities and municipal utilities in municipal heat planning. It contains, among other things:

• information on the key aspects of stakeholder participation,
• corresponding step-by-step instructions on ways to participate and
• specific tools with fact sheets, checklists and templates. 

The recommendations were compiled and prepared by ifok GmbH on behalf of the Competence Centre for the Municipal Heating Transition on the basis of its own experience and expert surveys.

Central elements of stakeholder participation
 

The steps outlined in the guide provide clear instructions on how and when to involve the relevant stakeholders in the process. These recommendations provide guidance and should be adapted according to the specific circumstances of the municipality. 
Stakeholder participation is a key factor in successfully shaping the heating transition in municipalities, gaining acceptance for the transformation of the heating supply and incorporating the expertise of all relevant stakeholders at an early stage.

Guide brings together expertise on municipal heat planning

More than 20 interviews with municipalities, energy supply companies, municipal heat planning service providers and other experts were conducted for this guide. These stakeholders have either already completed heat planning, are still in the process of doing so or can demonstrate the relevant knowledge. The knowledge was supplemented by expertise from ifok GmbH and the Competence Centre for the Municipal Heat Transition (KWW). An initial draft of the guide was further developed with representatives from the scientific community, local authorities and state energy agencies.