Overview of the Gelsenkirchen Heat‑Planning Initiative
The document presents the public information event “Kommunale Wärmeplanung Emscher‑Lippe” organised by the Stadt Gelsenkirchen. It summarises the municipal heat‑planning study for the Emscher‑Lippe region, detailing current energy consumption, the share of fossil versus renewable sources, and the strategic measures proposed to decarbonise heating in residential and non‑industrial buildings. The authors – Bernhard, Thiemann, Sproßmann, Willert, Hendrik Adrian and Andreas Weissenbrunner – are experts employed by the city’s environmental department, responsible for drafting the heat‑plan and communicating its results to the public.
Current Energy Mix and Building Stock
In 2024, Germany’s end‑energy consumption for heat and cold amounted to 1 077 billion kWh, with over 80 % supplied by fossil fuels. In Gelsenkirchen, 74 % of the non‑industrial heat demand is still met by fossil energy, primarily natural gas. The city’s building stock is ageing: 77.6 % of structures were built before 1979, and only 34 % have been fully renovated. Consequently, the potential for energy savings through refurbishment is estimated at 691 GWh (approximately 39 % of non‑industrial consumption).
Renewable Targets and Legal Framework
The Heat‑Planning Act (WPG) and the Building Energy Act (GEG) set binding targets for new installations: from 2024, at least 65 % of the primary energy for heating in new and retrofitted buildings must come from renewable sources. National climate legislation aims for a 65 % reduction in greenhouse‑gas emissions by 2030 and an 88 % cut by 2040 relative to 1990 levels. The municipal plan aligns with these objectives, outlining a phased transition to renewable heating technologies.
Planned Infrastructure and Heat‑Network Zones
The study identifies several heat‑network zones based on “heat‑density” calculations (1 000‑4 000 MWh/ha in high‑density districts such as Scholven and Altstadt). Areas with densities above 1.5 MWh/ha are deemed suitable for cost‑effective district heating. Simulations suggest a potential expansion of up to four additional networks in the Emscher‑Lippe region, complementing existing pipelines.
Renewable Energy Potentials in Gelsenkirchen
Technical assessments estimate a theoretical renewable energy potential of 2 724 GWh/a, comprising solar‑thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal, and biomass sources. After accounting for land‑use constraints, the realistic exploitable potential is around 5 601 GWh/a, providing a substantial buffer for the city’s decarbonisation goals. Specific projects include geothermal pilots, solar‑thermal installations on public buildings, and the utilisation of waste heat from industrial processes.
Heating‑System Transition and Expected Impacts
The plan foresees the replacement of oil and gas boilers with heat pumps powered by electricity, alongside the gradual shift to renewable‑fuelled district heating. By 2045, projected heat supply shares are: electricity 30 %, district heating 25 %, renewable fuels (pellets, biomass) 15 %, with fossil fuels reduced to below 10 %. This transition could cut non‑industrial heat demand by roughly 39 % if the full renovation programme is realised.
Quantitative Outlook for 2025‑2045
Energy demand forecasts show a rise in electricity‑based heating from 299 GWh in 2025 to 890 GWh in 2045 (a 190 % increase). Conversely, fossil‑fuel consumption (oil and gas) is expected to fall from 1 312 GWh in 2025 to under 200 GWh by 2045. The overall heat‑demand curve reflects a shift towards low‑carbon sources while accommodating population growth and urban development.
Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
The municipal heat plan will be updated every five years, with a public disclosure period of 30 days before adoption. Monitoring mechanisms will track progress on building renovations, renewable‑energy installations, and district‑heating roll‑out. Funding is anticipated from a mix of municipal budgets, private investors, and European climate‑finance programmes.