Municipal Heat Planning
The building sector drives Germany’s climate goals. It accounts for roughly one-third of national energy demand. To become climate-neutral by 2045, Germany aims to operate the heat supply without emissions. Renewable energy sources and waste heat will replace fossil fuels, and this effort will spread through large-scale district heating networks. Cities and municipalities will develop new municipal heat planning strategies to meet these needs.
We develop municipal heat plans from baseline analysis to implementation. We deliver clear and sustainable strategies that work economically and technically.
Is Municipal Heat Planning Mandatory?
Yes. All municipalities across Germany are legally required to take action. The German government adopted the Act on Heat Planning and the Decarbonization of Heat Networks on November 2023. and The act took effect on has been in force since 1 January 2024.,
Cities with over 100,000 residents must submit their municipal heat plans by 30 June 2026. Municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents must submit plans by 30 June 2028.
Key Questions Our Clients Ask About Municipal Heat Planning
- Where do we source reliable data for municipal heat planning?
- How do we fund necessary investments?
- How do we involve expert stakeholders early?
- How do we manage limited municipal administration and workload management?
- How do we involve and communicate transparently with the public?
Future Proof Your Heat Supply
How We Support Cities and Municipalities with Municipal Heat Planning
For more than 50 years, we have shaped construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects. We guide cities and municipalities from our analysis to execution. Our climate adaptation experts develop strategies grounded in experience, foresight, and practical implementation. Our experts connect administration, politics, and the local community.
Decarbonization Roadmaps
How We Support District Heating Operators
Renewable energy and waste heat do not fully supply all heat network operators. District heating operators must decarbonize their networks by 2026. They must update their roadmap every five years.
We support operators with:
- Assessing the current network structure and heat generation
- Evaluating energy and greenhouse gas balances for the past three years
- Identifying renewable and waste heat potential
- Defining clear transition pathways to climate-neutral energy sources
- Examining technical and economic investments
- Setting milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2045
The Municipal Heat Planning Process
The Heat Planning Act compels actors to transform existing heat networks and develop new solutions. The law defines a structured process.
We assess the current heat supply. We analyze energy sources, demand, and consumption. We compile all required data for the next planning phase.
Heat networks must become climate-neutral by 2045. We assess geothermal, solar, thermal, biomass, hydrogen, and waste heat energy – and evaluate availability, feasibility, and scalability.
This creates planning certainty for network operators, energy suppliers, industry, businesses, and residents. It identifies efficiency gains and cost savings.
We translate analysis into action. We develop a coherent heat transition strategy with a clear target. This includes:
- Structuring realistic measures into an implementation roadmap
- Providing a long list of realistic measures
- Prioritizing measures by environmental impact, social factors, technical feasibility, cost, and deadlines
To implement heat transition strategies successfully, clear structures and communication are essential. All relevant stakeholders should be actively involved. We define responsibilities and governance structures. We integrate heat planning into existing municipal processes. We establish measurable key performance indicators. We track milestones and report transparently.
What You Get
- End-to-end project support
- Solutions tailored to local conditions
- Decades of experience in process, organizational, and strategic consulting
- In-house experts for investment and operating, aligned with the German Federal Funding Program for Efficient Heat Networks (BEW)
- Reliable data models and digital twins for the consistent development of heat planning
- Local presence in 26 cities across Germany
References
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