District heating projects in Europe

In July 2026, AEW Energie began building a renewable heat network in the Swiss canton of Aargau, targeting a 90 % renewable supply for several municipalities and planning operation from the 2027/28 heating season. At the same time, Stadtwerke Schweinfurt in Germany prepared an expansion of its district‑heating system, with road works scheduled for August 2026 to connect more households to climate‑friendly heating.

A few weeks later, German towns moved from construction to planning. In Petersaurach, Bavaria, officials presented concepts for a climate‑neutral heat supply that would rely on electricity and small‑scale wind turbines. In Leipzig, consumer‑rights groups warned residents about rising district‑heating costs and urged them to evaluate long‑term options such as gas, district heating, or heat‑pump systems. These developments show a shift from individual project implementation toward broader municipal strategies and consumer guidance across the region.