Heat4Alps: Climate protection through the use of heat pumps in Alpine Club huts

The Alpine clubs of Germany and Austria operate more than 550 huts and account for more than 1 million overnight stays per year. Heating in Alpine huts is based almost exclusively on the combustion of wood or fossil fuels (e.g., diesel), which incurs immense costs and CO2 emissions.
The Heat4Alps project aims to examine two best practice examples of the use of heat pumps for sustainable heat supply in the Alpine region, one at a DAV hut (Traunsteiner Hütte) and one at an ÖAV hut (Carl-Von-Stahl-Haus). In combination with PV systems, the long-term goal is to create a decentralized, CO2-neutral energy supply solution for huts in the Alpine region. The main objective of Heat4Alps is to transfer knowledge about the use of heat pumps from the pilot plants to other Alpine Club huts and similar buildings in the Alpine region.
An assessment tool for analyzing the overall energy status and comprehensive guidelines for heat supply using heat pumps in Alpine huts under varying conditions will be developed in parallel with the construction of the pilot plants. The pilot plants, the evaluation program, and the action guide are intended to provide decision-makers, planners, and technicians with a basis for converting the energy supply in huts to heat pump systems. The project content is being developed in close cooperation between the project partners TH Rosenheim, FH Salzburg, DAV Traunstein section, and ÖAV Salzburg section, as well as the umbrella organizations of the DAV and ÖAV and regional heat pump manufacturers. In a cross-border approach, proactive sustainable solutions for climate adaptation are thus being developed and the common challenge in the program area is being addressed.

The Heat4Alps project aims to investigate the use of heat pumps for sustainable heat supply in Alpine Club huts. The findings from pilot plants and simulations will serve as a sound basis for decision-making and planning for climate-friendly heat supply in Alpine regions. Specifically, the aim is to develop a modular solution kit in combination with a guide for action.