The significant reduction in energy demand, the expansion of renewable energies, and increased sector coupling are central prerequisites for the success of the energy transition and thus for achieving the climate targets set out in the Paris Agreement. Local authorities are key players in this profound transformation process of the energy system towards a climate-friendly energy system. By networking with local actors, they can make an important contribution to the implementation of the energy transition. This also and in particular applies to increased sector coupling. However, the options and technologies available for coupling the different sectors electricity, heating, cooling, industry, and mobility are diverse and complex. In addition, various actors are involved in the coupling process of these sectors, such as municipal utilities, local mobility providers, energy and building cooperatives, other companies, city administrations, and also citizens who work together on the transformation of the energy system.

Against this background, the aim of the ZuSkE joint project is, on the one hand, to develop and evaluate municipal sector coupling strategies in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner. On the other hand, the project focuses on a user-centered, participatory development of communication tools for local actors to support the municipalities in the transformation process (and beyond). The project is carried out using the example of three municipalities of different sizes and regional conditions. These are Walldorf (Baden-Württemberg) with approx. 16,000 inhabitants, Freilassing (Bavaria) with approx. 16,000 inhabitants, and the city of Berlin with approx. 3.75 million inhabitants. The project also aims to ensure that the methodology and process design can be transferred to other municipalities.

ITAS coordinates the project and is involved in the following research activities:

• Inter- and transdisciplinary access to communal sector coupling: Workshop-based development of needs and scenarios in the municipalities, identification of literature-based transformation paths and options for action for sector coupling strategies
• Good Governance for municipal sector coupling strategies: Development of a “map” for sector coupling strategies and a framework for good governance for municipal sector coupling based on participatory observation during the workshops, literature analysis, and interviews to verify and complete the results
• Reflection and transfer of the methods and results: Identification of similarities and differences between the municipal sector coupling strategies, reflection of the methods and transfer activities to other municipalities, development of overarching strategies for action in terms of multi-level governance (federal, state, municipal)

A more detailed description of the project activities of all participants is available for download as a PDF (in German).

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