Since Friday, it has been clear that local authorities will have to draw up a heating plan for their areas. This was decided by the German Bundestag as part of the heat planning law. The law is linked to the coalition government’s much-discussed Building Energy Act (GEG). According to the law, large cities have until end of June 2026 to draw up a heating plan, while smaller cities have an extra two years.

But let’s take a step back: the draft Building Energy Act introduced by Economics Minister Robert Habeck and Construction Minister Klara Geywitz stipulates that Germany´s heating networks are also to be converted to more environmentally friendly sources, with at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and complete greenhouse gas neutrality to be achieved by 2045.

 To realize a future carbon neutral municipal heat generation, we need a diverse energy mix. This means that we need to consider options such as solar parks, wind farms, biogas plants or even local waste incineration plants, which is already a reality in many areas. From a technical point of view waste incineration needs to be seen as an appropriate form of power generation, which is now getting a green label.

 At Deinland, we’re constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions for a sustainable, CO2-free future. That’s why I’ve been following the current debates very closely. And I firmly believe that we have a shared responsibility to increase the share of renewable energy in district heat and that we must make decisions that prioritize sustainability, environmental protection, and the long-term wellbeing of Dein Land (your country).