With the introduction of the new Building Energy Act (GEG 2024), municipal heating planning is becoming the focus of German climate policy. This planning is an essential tool for achieving Germany's climate goals and significantly improving energy efficiency in the building sector. Cities and municipalities are encouraged to develop detailed strategies to convert their heat supply to renewable energy sources. This article explains the most important aspects and requirements of GEG 2024 with regard to municipal heating planning. The article highlights in detail how German Cities and Municipalities can contribute to the energy transition with municipal heating planning as part of the Building Energy Act 2024.

Statutory basis and obligations

Introduction to Building Energy Act 2024

The Building Energy Act (GEG) 2024 requires all cities and municipalities in Germany to implement local heating planning. This heat planning includes a detailed analysis of existing heating systems and energy infrastructure to ensure that all citizens and companies are informed whether they can be connected to a district heating network in the future or whether they must opt for other climate-friendly heating options.

Definition and meaning of district heating

A district heating connection means that heat is generated centrally and transported directly to consumers via insulated pipes, which can be an efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Large cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants must complete their heating plans by June 30, 2026, while smaller communities have until June 30, 2028 to implement their plans.

Planning goals and methodological implementation

Objectives of heat planning

Municipal heating planning aims to achieve the use of at least 65% of renewable energy in new heating systems. From 2028, this will be mandatory for all new heating systems. The planning helps to carry out a detailed inventory of the current heat supply and to forecast future requirements. It also includes the analysis and optimization of existing infrastructures to maximize the use of renewable energy.

Strategic planning and infrastructure analysis

Municipal heating planning begins with a comprehensive inventory of the current heat supply in the municipality. This involves recording all existing heating systems and evaluating their efficiency and share of renewable energy sources. This data helps to identify weak points and to develop targeted improvement measures. Through Cooperation with Energy Suppliers and Chimney Sweeps, accurate and comprehensive data sets are created, which serve as a basis for planning.

In addition to taking stock, forecasting future heating requirements is crucial. Factors such as population growth, urban development and climate change are taken into account in order to develop realistic scenarios for future energy demand. This enables predictive planning and investment in the heating infrastructure. With the help of modern analytical tools and methods, municipalities can make accurate forecasts and adjust their plans accordingly.

Planning also includes the analysis and optimisation of existing infrastructures. Through modernisation measures, improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources, the heat supply can be made more sustainable and reduced operating costs. For example, outdated heating systems can be replaced by more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies to improve the overall performance of heating networks.

Funding Opportunities and Support Offers

Overview of Federal and State Funding Programs

To achieve these goals, the Federal Government provides financial support and technical support. These funding programs include grants for the expansion of heating networks, the integration of renewable energy sources and the modernisation of old heating systems to facilitate the transition to a sustainable heat supply. Municipalities can access extensive funding to finance their projects and achieve the climate goals they have set.

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Importance of municipal heating planning

Promoting renewable energy

Heat planning promotes the expansion of heating networks and the integration of renewable energies into the heat supply. Cities and municipalities must develop strategies to gradually replace fossil fuels and switch to climate-neutral heat sources. This includes the use of solar thermal energy, geothermal energy, biomass and heat pumps. A central aspect of promoting renewable energy is financial support from the Federal Government, which provides grants and funding programs. These should facilitate the expansion and modernization of heating networks, the integration of renewable energies and the transition to sustainable heating systems. By using such funding, municipalities can make their heat supply more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Benefits for Citizens and Companies

For homeowners and Tenants, municipal heating planning offers transparency and security. They know which energy supply options are available and can make informed decisions about future heating systems. This not only leads to improved energy efficiency, but also to a reduction in energy costs. Clear communication and planning enable citizens, to better prepare for the changes and to choose the best solutions for them. Information on municipal heating planning and available heating options is usually published on the websites of the respective city or municipal governments, where citizens are able to access detailed planning documents and decision-making tools.

Companies benefit from clear guidelines and can better plan their investments in energy infrastructure. This not only creates economic security, but also promotes innovation and investment in new technologies. By integrating renewable energy into municipal heating planning, companies can also improve their environmental balance and develop more sustainable business models. Municipal heating planning therefore makes a significant contribution to creating a sustainable and efficient heat supply that benefits both citizens and companies.

What happens to my heat pump when the district heating network comes on?

An important question that many homeowners ask themselves is what happens to their existing heat pump when a district heating network is installed in their community. Basically, heat pumps are a long-term investment and offer significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency and environmental protection. However, should a district heating network become available, heat pumps can continue to serve as a supplement or be integrated into a hybrid system that uses both district heating and heat pump technology. This can further increase the flexibility and efficiency of the heating system and help homeowners maximize the benefits of both technologies.

Implementation and challenges

Data-driven planning basis

The preparation of heating plans is based on existing data sources provided by authorities, energy suppliers and chimney sweeps. This data includes information about the current heat supply, existing infrastructure and the distribution of heat requirements in the municipality. Using these existing data sources makes planning much easier for municipalities and reduces the effort required to collect new data. However, detailed analysis and planning is a challenge that requires close cooperation between various actors. Municipalities must ensure that all relevant data is accurate and complete in order to develop realistic and feasible heat planning.

Implementation and dynamic adjustment

Successful heat planning requires not only the preparation of plans, but also their integration into municipal practice. Municipalities must ensure that the planned measures are actually implemented and can be continuously adapted to respond to technological developments and changing framework conditions. This means that heating planning must be flexible enough to be able to react to new technological advances and changes in legal requirements. In addition, it is important that municipalities regularly review progress in implementation and, if necessary, make adjustments. This requires continuous monitoring and close cooperation with the stakeholders involved to ensure that the goals of heat planning are achieved and that a sustainable heat supply is guaranteed.

Conclusion

Municipal heating planning as part of GEG 2024 is a decisive step towards the heating revolution in Germany. The clear guidelines for the use of renewable energy sources and detailed planning at municipal level make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and increasing energy efficiency. Cooperation between municipalities, citizens and companies is essential to achieve the goals set and to ensure a sustainable heat supply.

Support from autarc for efficient heat planning

As part of efforts to support municipal heating planning, autarc offers advanced software solutions that are specifically designed to optimise energy efficiency and planning of heating systems. Our tools help to reduce the complexity of data analysis and enable a more precise implementation of heat planning in accordance with the requirements of GEG 2024.

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Contact us today to plan a personal demonstration of our software and find out how autarc can support your municipal heating planning. Discover how we can help you achieve your goals of sustainable and efficient energy supply.

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