ARF - Climate-Resilient Town Centers - Connection to Highly Efficient District Heating

The ARF Initiative – Climate-Resilient Town Centers – Connection to Highly Efficient District Heating aims to strengthen Viennese municipal and urban centers as active drivers of climate protection and to rapidly advance decarbonization. In cooperation with the European Union – NextGeneration EU, connection projects to modern district heating networks are supported to sustainably reduce CO2 emissions in the existing building stock. The program relies on cost-efficient technologies and attractive funding rates to expertly assist private and commercial actors as well as public institutions in transitioning to climate-friendly heat supply. The measures make a significant contribution to the resilience of urban structures and the attractiveness of core zones. Applications can be submitted continuously until the available funding volume is exhausted, ensuring a steady inflow of funds.

Eligible participants include companies, interest groups and other associations, public institutions, and private owners in the core area of Vienna who wish to implement a connection to highly efficient district heating. Up to 80% of the technical investment costs for conversion as well as the connection fees of households and institutions are funded within the framework of state aid regulations. A mandatory funding prerequisite is the proof of location within the core area by confirmation from the responsible municipality or city. The funds are granted as a one-time, non-repayable grant and contribute to making urban centers more resilient and effectively achieving overarching climate goals. Applicant groups also include denominational institutions and interest associations implementing sustainable heat projects in the core areas.