German cities implement municipal heat planning for climate transition

German municipalities are advancing municipal heat planning (KWP) to facilitate the transition to climate-neutral heating.

In Cologne, the city council has approved its first strategic heat plan. This plan serves as a guide for future heating replacements, identifying potential for renewable energy and waste heat. Currently, approximately 85 percent of Cologne's buildings rely on fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, with over half of the heating systems being more than 20 years old. To support residents, the city will offer mobile advisory services through the ‘Kölner Energiemobil’ in cooperation with the Consumer Advice Center NRW.

In Gera, the first draft of the municipal heat plan has been released for public review. The plan aims to outline how the city can achieve climate neutrality by 2045 through a mix of district heating networks and decentralized solutions. Officials emphasized that the plan is a strategic instrument intended to provide orientation for property owners rather than mandating specific energy sources for individual buildings. Citizens can review the documents digitally or in person at local administrative offices.