Heat Planning in German Municipalities Progresses - German cities race to meet heat transition deadlines by 2026
More German cities and towns are stepping up efforts to shift away from fossil fuels in heating. A 20% rise in local authorities adopting heat transition plans has been recorded this year. The push comes as deadlines under the Heat Planning Act draw closer, requiring major cities to finalise strategies by mid-2026 and smaller towns by 2028.
Currently, half of Germany’s local authorities are either drafting or rolling out heat transition plans. These schemes aim to replace gas and oil heating with renewable alternatives. Yet challenges remain, particularly in securing funding and keeping residents informed about changes.
The Heat Planning Act sets firm deadlines, but meeting them depends on overcoming practical barriers. Cities like Halle (Saale) show how engagement and transparency can smooth the transition. With more local authorities now taking action, the focus shifts to securing resources and maintaining public support in the years ahead.
