Heating plan adopted
On 22 July 2025, the municipal council of the municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin adopted the municipal heating plan, thereby completing the first key component of municipal heating planning.
The development of the plan began in January 2024 and the project was supported by the regional energy network operator EWE NETZ, which won the tender to create the heat planning.
Two areas suitable for heating were identified in the heating plan, which now need to be analysed in more detail in the next steps. These are the area around the centre of Rüdersdorf and the Albrecht-Thaer residential area in the district of Hennickendorf.
Rüdersdorf centre development area
Residential area Albrecht-Thaer
The path to creating municipal heat planning
Municipal heat planning takes around 18 months and comprises four phases: Inventory analysis, potential analysis, establishment of target scenario and heat turnaround strategy. In the inventory analysis, the current state of the heat supply in the municipality of Rüdersdorf was analysed. The potential for climate-neutral energy generation was then determined. Based on these analyses, various target scenarios for a future climate-neutral heat supply were drawn up. Finally, a strategy for the heating transition was developed, which includes a catalogue of measures for the municipal area. Neighbourhoods that are suitable for heating networks were also defined. Following the publication of the municipal heating plan, the municipality of Rüdersdorf bei Berlin undertook to implement at least five of the proposed measures within the next five years.
Public participation
The municipal heating plan does not dictate to anyone how heating must be provided in future - that is not the aim. It identifies areas that could be suitable for heating networks and areas in which building owners themselves must endeavour to find a climate-friendly solution. Specific development paths and project approaches emerged during the 18-month planning process. Interest groups and representatives of the business community were continuously involved and informed in several rounds, both analogue and digital. Information and tips for building owners were provided both on this subpage and at public events.
Legal framework and the Rüdersdorfer Weg
Since the Building Energy Act (GEG) was passed in autumn 2023, municipal heat planning, which is enshrined in the Heat Planning Act, has received increased attention. It serves the Federal Government's goal of making the heat supply in Germany climate-neutral by 2045. The Heat Planning Act stipulates that municipalities such as the municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin must submit a completed municipal heat plan by 30 June 2028 at the latest.
