Heating plans under scrutiny: Building Modernisation Act threatens local heating transition
Natural gas still dominates the heating supply in many cities today – accounting for over 60% of final energy demand for heating in the municipalities studied. The target scenarios, however, clearly focus on electrification and district heating networks: by around 2040, district heating networks are expected to cover 46% of heating demand on average, and decentralised heat pumps 38%. However, many heating plans remain vague on key implementation issues – such as the decommissioning of gas distribution networks or transparent communication with residents.
The study’s findings show that municipal heating planning can provide direction and guide investment. However, for the heating transition to succeed reliably, clear political frameworks, robust implementation strategies and transparent local communication are required. The German government’s planned Building Modernisation Act increases the risks for the municipal heating transition. BUND and ifeu are therefore calling on local authorities: the uncertainties must be resolved and the phase-out of gas heating must be secured.
The study is available here: Heating plans under the BUND microscope – download the study (in German)
Contact
Sebastian Blömer
sebastian.bloemer@ifeu.de
+49 (0)6221 4767 28
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