Future of heat supply: information and strategies for Regenstauf!

Future of heat supply: information and strategies for Regenstauf!

On November 27, 2025, an information event on municipal heat planning will take place in the multi-generational house in Regenstauf. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. The aim is a comprehensive discussion about future heat supply, possible heating networks and heating technologies, especially when replacing heating systems. Municipal heat planning has the clear goal of making heat supply climate-neutral by 2045. The focus is on switching heat consumption to renewable energies and using unavoidable waste heat. This was published by the market town of Regenstauf, which also emphasizes that the current discussions also include the development of strategies for heating networks and decentralized solutions, such as heat pumps.

The event will be divided into two parts. In the first part, Ms. Albrecht from Bayernwerk Netz GmbH presents the current results. This part provides information about ongoing planning for heating networks. The second part includes a lecture by Mr. Zirngibl from the Regensburg Energy Agency, who deals with heating technologies, legal regulations and funding opportunities. After the lectures, citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Background to heat planning

Heat supply in Germany is a central component of final energy consumption and, according to the Federal Environment Agency, causes around 35% of final energy consumption and 30% of CO₂ emissions. With the new heat planning law, which comes into force on January 1, 2024, the federal government wants to create an economic transformation path for greenhouse gas-neutral heat supply at the local level. This law aims to identify suitable heat supply options for specific areas and provides the legal framework within which local actors can implement the best options. The goal is a reliable, cost-effective heat supply that is independent of fossil raw materials by 2045.

An important aspect of municipal heat planning is the switch to renewable energies. From March 1, 2025, new heating networks must use at least 65% renewable energy or waste heat. For existing heating networks, a minimum requirement of 30% applies until January 1, 2030, which is expected to rise to 80% by 2040. The deadlines for the creation and approval of heat plans are staggered according to community size. Municipalities with more than 100,000 residents must draw up their plans by June 2026, while smaller municipalities have until June 2028.

• Gemeinden >100.000 Einwohner bis Juni 2026
• Gemeinden ≤100.000 bis Juni 2028
• Neuen Wärmenetze: Ab 1. März 2025 mindestens 65% erneuerbare Energien
• Bestehende Wärmenetze: Ab 1. Januar 2030 mindestens 30%, ab 1. Januar 2040 mindestens 80%

The lack of heat planning in many regions of Germany means that various requirements and conditions influence the implementation of heat supply. An East-West comparison in particular shows significant differences: While 30% of households in East Germany are connected to a district heating network, in West Germany the figure is just under 10%. Municipalities, public utilities, companies and building owners therefore need clear guidance for their future investment decisions.

The municipal heating plans rely on comprehensive citizen participation in order to obtain a clear picture of the future types of heat supply. Funding programs for the decarbonization of heat, which were launched by the federal government, also play a central role in the implementation of these plans. In total, the federal government will provide around 500 million euros in support by 2028. Further information on municipal heat planning is available in the Regenstauf market.