The Association of Municipal Utilities (VKU), representing a significant number of energy suppliers, has cautioned that insufficient federal funding could jeopardize the expansion of district heating networks. Addressing questions about the adequacy of current federal support for these networks, VKU CEO Ingbert Liebing stated to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, “Unequivocally no.
Currently, municipalities are engaged in the planning phase for district heating infrastructure. However, the VKU emphasizes that the crucial step is the actual implementation of these plans. While municipalities are not legally obligated to execute these plans, the involvement of utilities is essential. A financially viable model is required, ensuring acceptable prices for consumers. To achieve this, the VKU estimates a need for annual federal funding of €3.5 billion specifically for district heating projects. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles related to district heating infrastructure remain a concern.
Liebing warned that a failure to increase funding would negatively impact the expansion of district heating networks and hinder the broader energy transition. He expressed that without adequate support, heating plans risk remaining purely theoretical, preventing the necessary expansion of district heating to achieve climate goals within the building sector.