About the toolbox
citiwatts is an open-source online platform developed as part of the project OpenGIS4ET. It builds on the H2020 Hotmaps platform, which created a foundational toolbox for heating and cooling planning across Europe.
The platform provides initial and quick estimates of heating and cooling demand and assesses local renewable energy potential for any European region. With more detailed data and the use of advanced calculation modules (CMs), users can develop comprehensive energy strategies at village, town, city, regional or national levels.
citiwatts also enables scenario analyses for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and simplified assessments of energy system flexibility and sector coupling.
Your open-source tool for efficient energy planning.
With citiwatts, users receive a quick first overview of a selected area of study and various aspects relevant to heat and energy planning as well as electric mobility.
Why use citiwatts?
Quick Start
Provides an initial orientation to help you set the right course for detailed technical planning.
Open-Source
Available online with no fees. No additional software required.
Easy to use
No GIS expertise required. Data is displayed directly on the website.
Adaptable
Access indicators at various geographic and administrative levels. You may upload your own data.
Partners
Many people are involved in the development of citiwatts. With partners from four different countries in Europe we are constantly working on updating and improving the tool.
Project Management, Open Data Collection, Platform Development
As the leading project partner, HES-SO is responsible for organizing and managing all Work Packages. The project follows an agile development methodology, ensuring efficiency and coordination through structured three-week sprints. HES-SO oversees project management, partner coordination, administrative tasks, reporting, and feedback processes. Additionally, they ensure the development of key deliverables and the achievement of important milestones, facilitating smooth project execution and effective collaboration among all partners.
Additionally, they play a key role in ensuring data quality and management under the FAIR principles, acting as a central aggregator and control hub for project datasets. HES-SO is also responsible for the development and migration of the OpenGIS4ET platform, optimizing its infrastructure and integrating key technical components.
Mobility and Resources efficiency
In the project, they are responsible for advancing the aspects of mobility and resource efficiency. Their work focuses on supporting to develop a holistic strategy for the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) using photovoltaic (PV) electricity, aiming to minimize additional electricity demands and infrastructure upgrades.
They support defining the necessary charging infrastructure, ensure interoperability within the charging network and consider the integration of distributed PV systems. Additionally, they assess the benefits of sector coupling and flexibility, contributing valuable insights for effective planning and the successful deployment of EV infrastructure.
DHC and Temperature, Communication & Dissemination
They are tasked with enhancing the platform to effectively represent future thermal grid systems, focusing on both district cooling (DC) and district heating (DH). TU Wien developed a new calculation module for district cooling based on the existing economic assessment for district heating, incorporating data and functions specific to cooling grids. The team also further develops the district heating calculation module to analyze varying temperature levels, using detailed data to estimate trench lengths and associated costs. Key tasks include conceptualizing changes to the calculation modules, adapting and implementing these modules into the platform, collecting necessary data, and integrating feedback from testing. Their contributions help ensure the accuracy and efficiency of thermal grid systems, supporting the project's overall objectives.
Sector Coupling and Flexibility
Aalborg University’s task is to develop a novel and scalable calculation module that uses the freeware energy system analyses tool EnergyPLAN in the OpenGIS4ET Platform to enable sector coupling and flexibility analysis in energy consumption and production. This module assists planners and decision-makers in analyzing energy flexibility in specific geographical areas under various hypothetical scenarios, such as increased electric vehicle (EV) adoption or higher heat pump (HP) deployment. Key tasks include modeling scenarios and flexibility assets, ingesting real-time flexibility data into the models and developing and testing the flexibility calculation module. Through these efforts, Aalborg University contributes to addressing key challenges in the Green Transition, such as integrating renewable energy sources, avoiding grid congestion, and reducing CO2 emissions.
Application with the Need-Owners, Communication and Dissemination
e-think is a Vienna-based company that specializes in energy consulting and software development. With a strong commitment to sustainability, e-think focuses on delivering innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. The company leverages advanced technologies and analytical tools to assist clients in optimizing their energy consumption, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impacts. Their expertise extends to developing software applications that facilitate energy planning, monitoring, and management, empowering organizations to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. By combining technical knowledge with a deep understanding of energy markets, e-think plays a crucial role in driving the transition toward sustainable energy practices and supporting clients in achieving their sustainability goals.
Application with the Need-Owners, Communication and Dissemination
The State Energy Agency of Hesse (LEA Hessen), Germany has been performing key tasks in the implementation of the energy transition and climate protection on behalf of the Hessian state government since 2017. The services are aimed at Hessian citizens, social organizations, municipalities and companies. The LEA Hessen offers information, initial consultations and accompanying support in the selection and implementation of measures for climate protection, energy efficiency, energy saving and the expansion of renewable energies in one's own environment. She is a reliable partner when it comes to engaging third parties in activities for climate protection and the energy transition.
Application with the Need-Owners
The Energy Agency of Styria, Austria, is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources in the region. This agency provides a wide range of advisory services to municipalities, businesses, and citizens, guiding them in the implementation of sustainable energy practices. Additionally, Energie Agentur Steiermark conducts research to support policy development and offers project implementation assistance aimed at promoting sustainable energy development. Through its efforts, the agency contributes to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhances the region's energy independence.
Application with the Need-Owners, Communication and Dissemination
PlanEnergi is a consulting engineering company in Denmark working in the field of renewable energy and energy planning. They provide expert guidance to municipalities, organizations, and companies in developing sustainable energy solutions. This includes expertise in areas such as district heating, thermal storages, biogas and energy efficiency initiatives. PlanEnergi assists clients in creating comprehensive energy strategies that align with sustainability goals while addressing local energy needs. Through their work, the foundation-based company plays a crucial role in advancing Denmark’s transition to a greener energy system and promoting innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
Communication and Dissemination
MODULDREI's primary responsibility is to effectively communicate the technical aspects of the OpenGIS4ET toolbox to a diverse range of target groups, each with varying levels of expertise. Their task is to ensure that complex information is tailored to meet the needs of different audiences, from technical professionals to policymakers and the general public. By developing targeted communication strategies, MODULDREI aims to deliver clear and accessible information, ensuring that the right messages reach the right people in appropriate formats. This approach is essential for maximizing the toolbox's impact and fostering its adoption in energy planning processes.
Let's stay in touch!
citiwatts encourages other developers to contribute with additional calculation modules or datasets that can be integrated in the toolbox. Please also get in contact with us at info@citiwatts.eu if you want to take part in the future development of the platform.
This project has received funding in the framework of the joint programming initiative ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems's focus initiative Digital Transformation for the Energy Transition, with support from the European Unions's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme grant agreement No 883973.
Project Nr. 64021-6026
Project Nr. 889031
Project Nr. 502364
Project Nr. 03EI4050A/B