The municipal heating plan is a path to a climate-neutral heat supply. It focuses on the question of how heat can be provided in the future in a climate-friendly way and how energy can be saved.

The basis for this path is the analysis of the energy-related infrastructure and building stock in Salzgitter.

On the basis of these results, measures and projects for greenhouse gas-neutral heat supply are defined that reduce emissions, conserve resources and promote environmental and climate protection. These results are also important for the planning of new development areas and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

The long-term goal: to create a climate-neutral heat supply for and in Salzgitter.

The objectives of municipal heating planning are based on the climate targets of Lower Saxony in accordance with Section 3 of the NKlimaG:

• By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 75 percent compared to emissions in 1990.
• Greenhouse gas neutrality is to be achieved by 2040.
• Lower Saxony's energy and hydrogen requirements are to be fully covered by renewable energies by 2040.

In Salzgitter, heating solutions are being developed for the 31 districts. To this end, the existing heat requirements and energy sources, heat generation plants and energy infrastructure are currently being determined. The results of this analysis are being mapped in a digital twin of the city of Salzgitter.

This requires data on current heat consumption, the existing energy infrastructure (e.g. pipes), the building stock and existing sustainable heat sources.

This data for the municipal heating plan is provided to the commissioned planning office d-fine GmbH by the city of Salzgitter, WEVG, the "Big Five" (VW; Salzgitter AG, Bosch, MAN, Alstom), ASG, housing associations, chimney sweeps and the census, among others.

On the basis of this data, the planning office analyzes which options for current and future heat supply exist and are possible in Salzgitter.

Is there a district heating network (as in Lebenstedt, for example) that can be expanded? Or are there smaller districts with many private households where no central heat supply is possible? What opportunities are there for these districts?

In addition, this municipal heat planning will determine the next steps for urban heat planning and thus the future heat supply.

The data will continue to be collected and evaluated over the next few months.

The first draft of the municipal heating plan will be presented to the local councils by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

In accordance with Section 23 (4) WPG, municipal heating planning has no external legal effect and does not create any enforceable rights or obligations for building owners for the heat supply identified in the municipal heating plan. It serves as a strategic tool for local authorities for the preliminary planning of the heating transition.

By publishing the municipal heating plan, heating suppliers and citizens can use the results as a guide and for future action decisions.

It should be noted that detailed planning by the heat suppliers is required to implement the solutions and measures described in the heat planning. This detailed planning takes time and is unlikely to be implemented immediately after the heat planning has been completed.

One example: If the district heating network in Lebenstedt is to be expanded, the heat supplier WEVG will need time for detailed planning before it is clear which streets and houses could be connected to this district heating network.

The regulations for anyone who is building a new home or whose existing heating system is due for replacement are set out in the Building Energy Act (GEG).

In new buildings, the obligation to use 65% renewable energy has been in force since January 1, 2024 in accordance with Section 71 (1) GEG.

From January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026, all types of heating systems may continue to be installed in existing buildings.

Important:

From July 1, 2026, only heating systems with 65 percent renewable heat may be used in existing buildings.

Important2: There are exceptions and transition periods for this law, which will apply from July 1, 2026:

1. building owners may also install and operate heating systems that do not meet the 65 percent renewable energy standard with a transitional period of five years after publication of the municipal heating plan, in order to enable quicker solutions, especially in the event of emergencies in winter.

2 This also applies if a connection to a heating network is planned and a corresponding contract has been concluded with the heating supplier. All types of heating may then be installed with a transitional period of ten years.

The City of Salzgitter will submit the municipal heating plan in accordance with the statutory requirements and deadlines. The municipal heating plan must be available by June 30, 2026.

Prior to this, the City of Salzgitter will invite people to various workshops to provide information and answer questions. The heating plan will then be updated every five years in accordance with Section 20 (1) of the Lower Saxony Climate Act (NKlimaG).

Citizens can find out about the current status of municipal heating planning on the City of Salzgitter's website. A wide range of information documents will be made available.

The City of Salzgitter will involve citizens in the process as soon as the preliminary analyses have been completed and invite them to information events in the main centers of Salzgitter.

At these events, citizens will be able to raise any issues, wishes, questions and concerns relating to municipal heat planning and receive answers from the supporting planning office d-fine and the City of Salzgitter.