Future of heat supply: Potsdam invites you to an information event!

Future of heat supply: Potsdam invites you to an information event!

The future of heat supply is being actively tackled in Potsdam. The first public information event on municipal heat planning took place on July 8, 2025, which presented promising approaches for climate-neutral heat supply by 2045. The aim of this event was to provide citizens with information, stimulate discussions and obtain valuable information and questions from the population. The event is part of a comprehensive plan that aims to replace fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives and thus pave the way for an environmentally friendly heat supply. Potsdam reports that the focus is on identifying suitable areas for the expansion of district and local heating networks as well as for decentralized solutions such as heat pumps.

What does the strategy look like specifically? Well, the project should not only focus on the big picture, but also have the details under control. In order for heat supply to make a leap forward, the share of renewable energies in the heat sector should be increased from 17 to 50 percent by 2030, let alone the targets set for 2045. These framework conditions should be set by a framework law for municipal heat planning (KWP). And not only Potsdam, but also many other cities in Germany with more than 10,000 inhabitants are required to implement measures for the heat transition. Thüga highlights that the KWP acts as a central instrument for implementing this heat transition, which is on the agenda for over 1,200 municipalities.

Climate neutral by 2045

What are the steps on the way to climate-neutral heat supply? The KWP is carried out in a four-stage process. First, an analysis of the status quo is carried out with regard to the generation, distribution and consumption of heat. Then it's about identifying savings potential and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. The third element involves the development of a target scenario, which is represented cartographically, and the final stage focuses on the practical implementation of the decided measures. Thüga's partner companies can support this and have already signaled their willingness to work together.

This means that municipalities and public utilities are faced with many planning and financial challenges. Before the project is ambitiously implemented, numerous questions need to be clarified. This is also proven by the current study by the Competence Center for Public Economy, Infrastructure and Public Services (KOWID). Over 600 municipalities and a good 100 energy supply companies took part in the survey. This study, which was carried out with the support of the German Association of Cities, analyzes the challenges and areas of action of the heat transition in detail. City Day shows how widespread the nationwide heating networks are and to what extent they can function as central elements in heat supply.

Forward to the heating future

It is clear that the path to climate-neutral heat supply is not easy. The limited storage capacity of heat in buffer storage makes the use of large heat storage tanks in heating networks extremely necessary. In addition, the exchange between municipalities and energy supply companies is of central importance. Only together do they have the chance to show good planning skills and find efficient solutions for heat supply.

Admission to the information events is free and no registration is required - a welcome opportunity for anyone interested to have their voice heard in this important process. Not only should the experts be on board, but the population should also actively help shape what the heat supply of the future could look like.