Stahnsdorf starts heat planning: This is how the future heats in our region!

Stahnsdorf starts heat planning: This is how the future heats in our region!

In Stahnsdorf, we are currently working hard on a joint heating plan that will connect the communities of Stahnsdorf, Teltow and Kleinmachnow. How maz-online.de reported, a planning office, Elbing and Volgmann, was commissioned to complete this legally required heat plan by the beginning of 2026. Municipal heat planning is a crucial element of the Building Energy Act (GEG), which requires cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants to fulfill their responsibility by 2028.

Interestingly, there are numerous single-family homes and extensive green spaces in Stahnsdorf, which influences the economic viability of a possible district heating network. Currently, around 80% of the population heats with gas, 12% with heating oil, and only a fraction uses alternative, renewable energy sources. At this point, a future heating network could provide a breath of fresh air, as technologies such as heat pumps, solar thermal energy and biomass are being discussed in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Joint efforts for the future

The plan envisages dividing the municipal area into different zones and dividing around 5,000 residential buildings into 237 building blocks. Fortunately, there are approaches to using renewable energy sources: Possible heat sources include deep geothermal energy, large heat pumps and ground-mounted solar systems. The sewage treatment plant could also contribute to the heat supply by making its waste heat usable.

A fundamental element of this plan is the Heat Planning Act, which sets uniform nationwide standards for the proportion of heat from renewable energies and unavoidable waste heat. This law came into force on January 1, 2024 and requires that new heating networks must generate at least 65% of their heat from renewable energy from March 1, 2025. In order to achieve this standard, existing networks must also be readjusted by 2040 in order to ultimately be climate neutral from 2045. The specifications are not without challenges, but they set clear goals that encourage rethinking, so that all affected communities are obliged to design their heat planning in a targeted manner.

Citizen information and outlook

To inform citizens, information sessions were held over three evenings where residents could voice their concerns. A representative from the consumer advice center was also present to provide information, particularly about replacing faulty heating systems in many older buildings - some of which are up to 100 years old. Any replacement of heating systems must use 65% renewable energy within five years. Energy consultants recommend that homeowners find out about funding opportunities at an early stage in order to get the conversion started in good time.

Although there is currently no obligation to connect to the future district heating network, residents are also commenting on potential cooperative approaches to forming a local heating network. The next information event is already planned for the beginning of 2026, which indicates the great interest in the topic. The future of Stahnsdorf is gradually adapting to the new requirements, while everyone involved is working together on a sustainable energy concept.