Municipal heat planning

The basic task is to develop a strategy for a long-term CO2-neutral heat supply for the city of Aachen. The municipal heat plan shows the current status quo of the heat supply as well as various perspectives for a future heat supply, for example from renewable energy sources, waste heat or combined heat and power (CHP).
The result of the heat planning is a non-binding recommendation.

The heat planning is drawn up for the entire urban area and comprises the main steps:

• Inventory analysis (current heat demand, greenhouse gas emissions, building stock, condition and existing networks)
• Potential analysis (possible energy savings and potential renewable heat sources)
• Target scenario (combination of existing and potential for a needs-based heat supply)
• Heat transition strategy and implementation strategy (recommended measures and corresponding implementation schedules)

Heat planning is carried out in close coordination with the specialist departments and in-house operations of the City of Aachen, STAWAG and Regionetz.
Other local energy suppliers, housing cooperatives, companies, industrial companies, commercial facilities and institutions, as well as external experts, are involved in the process according to their needs or potential.

The city of Aachen's carbon dioxide (CO2) balance from 2022 shows that the heating sector is by far the largest source of CO2 emissions with a share of 44 percent. Municipal heat planning can therefore make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To date, the majority of heat supply in Aachen has been provided by fossil fuels. According to the final energy balance, less than 8 percent of the heating requirements of private households for 2022 were covered by renewable energies and over 80 percent by fossil fuels such as natural gas and heating oil. The heat planning shows how the heat supply can be converted to renewable energies and where energy efficiency measures should be implemented. It thus makes an important contribution to achieving the climate neutrality target by 2030.

The municipal heating plan explains which type of climate-neutral heat supply is expandable and sustainable in which urban areas and districts. It analyzes the level of heat demand in the districts, the existing potential for heat sources (especially renewable ones) and the potential heat supply solutions for the future. Possible supply solutions include decentralized heat generation, e.g. with heat pumps, the use of local heat sources (local heating) or the strategic expansion of district heating. The heat planning therefore provides an initial guide for the selection of the future heat supply.
The recommendation of supply solutions for individual parts of the urban area has no legal consequences for the owners. Furthermore, there is no obligation to replace a functioning heating system.

The requirements for heat generators are regulated in another federal law, the Building Energy Act (GEG). Since the GEG came into force on 01.01.2024, new heating systems must be able to be powered by at least 65% renewable energy. In existing areas, there is a transitional period that is linked to the legal obligation to draw up a municipal heating plan. In Aachen, this must be in place by 31.06.2026. But even in existing buildings, specifications must already be met today when installing a new heating system. Take advantage of the offer and get free advice from altbau plus or the consumer advice center in Aachen.

The results are being developed step by step by the contractor in accordance with the requirements of the Heat Planning Act (WPG). In addition to the City of Aachen, STAWAG, Regionetz and other stakeholders are also involved in an advisory capacity.
Results of the completed work steps are published here:

Public participation in heat planning until April 4, 2025

Draft of the municipal heating plan (as of November 2024)

Inventory analysis Aachen

Potential analysis Aachen

Target scenario Aachen

Classification of the expected heat supply areas

Suitability as heating networks

Maps of the target scenarios 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045

Up-to-date information on municipal heat planning, public events and answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found at aachenklima.de/waermeplanung