Municipal Heating Planning in Erlangen

The Municipal Heating Plan identifies so-called “eligible areas.” Within these areas, the construction or expansion of heating networks is theoretically possible. Whether and when an actual connection will take place will be decided step by step in the coming years as part of specific expansion plans. If you would like to know right now whether a connection is possible for your building, you can contact Stadtwerke directly at waermewende@estw.de.

Outside the eligible areas, connection to a district heating network is not realistic. In the long term, you will need to switch to your own renewable heating solution, such as a heat pump ( ).

The costs for local and district heating depend on the respective heating network. You can find rate information for district heating under ESTW - Erlanger Stadtwerke AG - Heating, and information on network connections under ESTW - Erlanger Stadtwerke AG - Network Connection. When a new heating network is being built, potential customers receive cost information in advance.

In terms of the initial investment, connecting to a heating network is generally much more cost-effective than installing a new heating system. The cost of connecting to a heating network may be subsidized through the KfW heating subsidy program.

The distinction between local and district heating is somewhat blurred. In Erlangen, the downtown area is centrally supplied with district heating. Local heating consists of smaller, independent networks in neighborhoods with their own central heat generation plants. In both cases, heat is generated outside the building and delivered via a heating network, which allows the building’s own heating system to be designed to take up significantly less space compared to other systems.

Connection to a local or district heating network is optional in Erlangen. You can also choose an alternative heat source.

The transition of district heating generation to renewable energy sources is part of the District Heating Transformation Plan. Instead of natural gas, the future heat supply will rely primarily on large-scale heat pumps that utilize waste heat or environmental heat—for example, from the Regnitz River and a data center. For peak loads, other renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and direct electricity will be used. The transition from natural gas to renewable heat generation will take place step by step over the next few years; for example, at least 30% of the heat is to be provided in a climate-neutral manner as early as 2030.

The Building Energy Act (GEG) governs the types of heating systems that may be used: New heating systems installed by June 2026 must be powered by renewable energy sources at a rate of 15% starting in 2029, 30% starting in 2035, and 60% starting in 2040.

New heating systems installed in urban areas starting in July 2026 must normally be powered by 65% renewable energy.

The following options are available: Within a designated area, connection to a district heating network may be possible (see above). Furthermore, the following heat generators are available for existing buildings to ensure the required share of renewable energy: heat pumps, biomass (wood chips, pellets, firewood); biogas can only be recommended to a limited extent (see next question).

Hydrogen will be available only in limited quantities in the future and will therefore be expensive; as a result, it is not suitable for heating residential buildings. Biogas is also not available in sufficient quantities in Germany, and its price will rise sharply as demand increases. Further information on this topic is available from the Consumer Advice Center.

Relying on hydrogen or biogas for building heating is therefore not recommended. Ideally, the use of a heat pump or connection to a district heating network should be considered.

There is no mandatory connection requirement for district heating networks. This means you can voluntarily choose your own decentralized solution and, for example, install a heat pump.

Utility companies are legally required to allow the connection of heat pumps. The power grid is continuously being expanded and modernized by the municipal utility. Furthermore, grid operators have the right to throttle larger consumers in individual cases. Therefore, power shortages caused by the increasing use of electrical appliances such as heat pumps or electric cars are not expected.

You can apply for KfW’s federal subsidy for energy-efficient buildings to fund an energy-efficiency retrofit.

When replacing a heat generator, you can apply for a grant of up to 70% through KfW’s heating subsidy program.

Do you have general questions about the Municipal Heating Plan? Please contact waermewende@stadt.erlangen.de.
Do you have specific energy-related questions about your building? Contact the city’s free energy counseling service or the municipal utility company’s energy counseling center, which is also free of charge.
Would you like to know specifically whether a connection to a district heating network is possible or planned for your home? Please contact waermewende@estw.de.