Erfurt is planning a hydrogen heat transition: What does that mean for tenants?

Erfurt is planning a hydrogen heat transition: What does that mean for tenants?

The discussion about the heating transition in Germany, especially in Thuringia, is gaining momentum. A current report from the MDR highlights that the use of hydrogen for heat supply is becoming more relevant, especially for households in urban outskirts and rural areas. While some homeowners are already planning to replace their heating systems, Sven Rache from the Thuringian Homeowners Association advises keeping quiet for now and not making any hasty investments.

“If the heating system needs to be replaced urgently, immediate action is required,” emphasizes Schütt. Nevertheless, too much reliance should not be placed on the network connection for hydrogen. At the same time, Frank Emrich, director of the Thuringian Housing and Real Estate Association, warns that tenants must expect rising heating costs. In order to be able to master the challenges in heat supply, it is essential that politicians secure long-term social compensation instruments such as housing benefits or heating cost subsidies.

The role of hydrogen use

Hydrogen is at the center of current discussions about the heat transition, as became clear during a panel discussion on September 25, 2025 in Nordhausen. Organizers such as Nordhausen University and SOKRATHERM GmbH discussed the opportunities and limits of hydrogen in municipal heat supply. Moderated by Phillip-Simon Keitel, the panel discussed the strategic prioritization of hydrogen applications, particularly in sectors such as air and maritime transport or the chemical industry.

Hydrogen is considered one of the future topics when it comes to reducing CO₂ emissions. The importance of energy exchange is also reflected in the RESCUE study by the Federal Environment Agency, which examines paths to a greenhouse gas-neutral future by 2045. The operation of buildings accounts for around 35 percent of final energy consumption in Germany - a point that should not be ignored when it comes to achieving national climate goals.

Acceptance and implementation

The heating transition requires the acceptance of everyone involved - be it owners, housing companies or industry. The city of Erfurt plans to develop concrete scenarios for the heat plan by December, with proposals for implementation that will be publicly available from April 2026. Clear political and economic framework conditions are necessary to successfully integrate hydrogen as a storage medium and revolutionize heat supply.

Innovative approaches such as serial renovation and hydraulic balancing can help to optimize energy consumption in existing buildings. Supplementary measures have already been established in numerous federal government funding programs that are directly aimed at decarbonizing heat. The municipalities play an essential role here, as they are ultimately responsible for implementing the heat transition locally and offering long-term solutions.

The entire development shows that solid planning and compliance with energy standards are of the utmost importance for everyone involved. Time is of the essence and a satisfactory heat supply should also be guaranteed after 2045. The challenges are clear, and the responsibility lies with both private individuals and politicians to set the right course in a timely manner.