One-Third of German Municipalities Begin Heat Transition Planning for Climate Neutrality

Germany's push for climate-neutral municipalities by 2045 sees progress, though some regions face challenges due to missing legal frameworks.

Germany's climate policy mandates all 10,754 municipalities to develop heat transition plans, with larger cities facing a 2026 deadline and smaller ones by 2028.
Currently, 34% of municipalities have started planning, with 160 already completing their heat transition strategies, primarily in Baden-Württemberg.
Regions like North Rhine-Westphalia (72%) and the Saarland (64%) lead in participation, while areas like Bavaria and Saxony lag behind at only 18%.
Municipalities criticize delays in state-level legislation, which complicate data collection and planning efforts, particularly in states like Saxony-Anhalt.
The transition poses significant financial and logistical challenges, with estimated planning costs reaching €520 million by 2028, but it also offers opportunities for regional development and innovation.