Energy Atlas Bavaria expands data basis for heat planning

01.06.2026

Source: E & M powernews

Sweep book and census data have been incorporated into the Bavarian Energy Atlas. This provides a more detailed view of the heat supply in Bavarian municipalities.

The Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) has announced that detailed information on the heat supply can now also be called up at "building block level" in the Bavarian Energy Atlas, including heating requirements and the predominant energy sources. At the building block level, connected buildings are considered together and thus anonymized.

The new data is based on the sweep book data for the 2023 reporting year and the results of the 2022 census. The LfU and the Bavarian State Statistical Office (LfStat) have prepared the information for use in municipal heating planning. The small-scale data has been available in the Energy Atlas of Bavaria since May 20, 2026.

According to the state office, the information from the sweep book data survey is presented in the Energy Atlas of Bavaria using three maps. The maps show the median age and the total nominal heat output of the respective building block for the most frequently used fuels - heating oil, gas and solid biomass.

According to the office, this information makes it possible to identify areas where the individual fuels are used and to gain a better spatial overview of the existing heat supply.

Among other things, the evaluations show differences between town centers and outlying areas. For example, the use of natural gas is more common in densely built-up areas, while renewable energy sources are more prevalent in newer buildings. Regional focuses in the use of wood as an energy source also become apparent.

Basis for heat demand and heating networks

A map of the dominant building age class is also available. Further parameters such as the number of residential units, the total living space or the number of inhabitants can be called up for each building block.

The information on the building stock is also used to estimate the heat demand. On this basis, renovation potential and the suitability of various heating technologies can be assessed.

At the same time, the authorities have further developed the existing model for calculating heating requirements using the census data. The results form the basis for the heat density maps of the Bavarian Energy Atlas. These maps support local authorities in evaluating heating network projects and identifying suitable supply areas.

Users can choose between three scenarios: the current building stock, a medium refurbishment scenario and an ambitious refurbishment scenario. This makes it possible to estimate the effects of different renovation rates on future heating requirements.

Click here for the Bavarian Energy Atlas.

Author: Heidi Roider