Tübingen is relying on green heat supply with a new solar thermal system
Find out everything about the new solar thermal system in Tübingen: sustainability, heat production and future projects.

Tübingen is relying on green heat supply with a new solar thermal system
An exciting project saw the light of day in Tübingen on November 4, 2025: the third largest open-space solar thermal energy system in Germany was officially put into operation. This initiative by Stadtwerke Tübingen (swt) marks a significant step towards sustainable energy supply, and not just for the city itself.
The impressive figures speak for themselves: With an annual heat production of around six million kilowatt hours, the system supplies households that are connected to the district heating network. The vacuum tube collectors, each 2.30 meters high, capture the sun's rays over an area of 12,000 square meters. The maximum heat output of seven megawatts ensures that the system works efficiently even in colder times.
Sustainability meets quality of life
On the occasion of the commissioning, Mayor Boris Palmer emphasized the connection between sustainability and quality of life. “We are setting an example for greenhouse gas neutrality, which is in the interests of our citizens,” he emphasized. David Pätzold, the project manager, gave insights into the technical functionality of the system and explained that the heat storage volume of 1,250 cubic meters serves as network storage for flexible operation.
The system is strategically located at an interface between various sub-networks, which increases the performance of the entire system. “Our goal is to replace fossil heat with renewable sources,” explained Ortwin Wiebecke, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Tübingen. Together with a planned large-scale heat pump at the Tübingen sewage treatment plant, which will use wastewater heat, this shows the commitment to a climate-friendly energy supply.
Planned expansions
But that's not all: In addition to energy production, leisure projects are also being planned. The city administration would like to create a leisure area next to the facility in collaboration with the municipal utilities. There are also plans to lay new lines towards the city center and undeveloped residential areas. All of this is supported by a grant of 5.77 million euros from federal funding for efficient heating networks.
With this step, Tübingen is moving towards a bright, green future. It will be exciting to see how the city's energy supply develops and what new opportunities arise for its citizens.
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