With municipal heating planning, we are developing a strategy for how all districts in Wuppertal can be supplied with renewable heat safely and sustainably in the coming years. Wuppertal residents were able to comment on the analysis of the current situation and potential in summer 2025 and on the target scenario and the measures developed in winter 2025. The results are linked below.
Thank you very much for your active support!
The city of Wuppertal is currently drawing up a municipal heating plan. The aim is to determine how people and buildings across the city can be supplied with heat from renewable energy sources safely, efficiently and affordably in the coming years - with solutions that suit the respective neighborhoods. The creation of the heating plan is legally required by the Federal Government's Heating Planning Act (WPG) and a corresponding state law (LWPG) and must be completed by mid-2026. It is also based on the Wuppertal Council resolution of December 2023 on the implementation of municipal heat planning.
Municipal heating planning shows which areas can probably be supplied via heating networks and where individual solutions such as heat pumps make more sense. Technical data, building structures, renovation statuses and existing infrastructures are taken into account. To ensure that the plan is as realistic as possible, we gather knowledge, assessments and experience from recognized experts and local people - and invite you to help us think along with us.
In summer 2025, we published the analysis of the current situation and potential. The inventory analysis records how heating is currently used in the city. It shows where heating networks already exist, how old the buildings are and how high their energy consumption is. The potential analysis examines where energy-efficient renovations are possible and where new heating networks could be created. The use of renewable energies such as photovoltaics, solar thermal energy or heat pumps is also examined - as is the potential for integrating waste heat from industrial operations or wastewater treatment plants.
On this basis, we have developed the target scenario for the future heat supply and worked out specific measures for implementation in order to ensure a sustainable heat supply based on renewable energies.
Everything you need to know about municipal heat planning in Wuppertal; the process and current status; can be found here.
Target scenario:
The target scenario is based on the results of the inventory and potential analysis - i.e. the survey:
- how much heat is consumed in Wuppertal today,
- how buildings are equipped,
- and what potential is available for renewable energies.
This was used to model various development paths for the heat supply - depending on how much refurbishment is carried out, which technologies are used and how networks can be expanded. The target horizon was the year 2045.
What would we like to know?
The target scenario is mainly based on technical conditions and overarching framework conditions (e.g. local stock, energy potential, planned specifications, refurbishment and implementation capacities). This is why we obtain a technical assessment from experts in the fields of energy supply, planning, administration and business.
At the same time, it is also important for us to hear your perspective.
This is because local experience - e.g. on existing initiatives, neighborhood planning or special conditions in the neighborhood - can provide important information to better classify the scenarios and adapt them to feasible local implementation. We look forward to your comments.
Action profiles:
The measures are derived projects adapted to the local structures and particularities, which are to be tackled as immediate next steps. The dimensions can be of a technical nature (e.g. grid expansion, local heating networks, renovation roadmaps) as well as organizational or communicative (e.g. advisory services or cooperation models).
What would we like to know?
- Do the proposed measures fit the conditions in Wuppertal?
Do you see any indications of what (does not) work technically, socially or organizationally? In your opinion, do the proposed measures - for example the expansion of a heating network or the strengthening of energy advice - fit the conditions in the city of Wuppertal? - Which measures do you consider to be particularly effective or urgent?
In your opinion, where should action be taken quickly and which measures should be prioritized? Which of the proposed measures do you consider to be particularly effective or urgent? Are there any measures that you consider less suitable?
You have the following options for participating in the municipal heat planning process:
1. online participation in heat planning (12.11. - 12.12.2025)
On this website, you can provide your feedback on a heat supply scenario for 20245 and on proposed measures - directly online and for specific areas.
Heat supply scenario map for 2045:
This map shows which form of supply is likely in which area in the future - e.g. district heating, local heating, heat pumps or individual solutions. It is based on technical feasibility, infrastructure, building structure and other planning data. You can comment on individual areas, add your assessment or provide information on local conditions.
Action profiles:
You will also find selected proposals for measures that should be implemented as soon as possible - for example, for network development, advice, funding or coordination. Your comments, assessments and additions are also required here to ensure that the planning is realistic and viable.
2nd information forum - Heat supply Wuppertal 2045 on 25.11.2025 - City Church Elberfeld
The event will give you an insight into the next steps in municipal heating planning in Wuppertal. The target scenarios developed and initial proposals for measures to supply Wuppertal with climate-neutral heat by 2045 will be presented.
We cordially invite you to contribute your assessments, experiences and comments directly: Join in the discussion, assess the proposed paths towards a climate-neutral heat supply - and which measures should be prioritized.
You will benefit from practical information, individual advice and the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts from the fields of planning, energy supply and funding.
After the event, from 8 p.m., a get-together with information stands will provide space for personal discussions - including with contact persons from Wuppertal's municipal utilities, the consumer advice center, the heating guild and, if applicable, Haus & Grund. Free catering will be available for you.
All feedback will be incorporated into the next phase of heat planning.
All feedback is collected, evaluated and incorporated into further planning. The results go directly to the specialist planning department, serve as a knowledge base for the respective areas of work and are incorporated into the municipal heating plan.
The municipal heating plan must be officially completed by mid-2026. A city council resolution is required for this.
You can find more information on municipal heat planning, the status of its development and lots of further information on subsidies and advisory services here: https://www.wuppertal.de/kwp.
The results of the first online participations in the analysis of existing buildings and potential (July 2025) can be found on the following subpages:
1) Comments on the potential map for building refurbishment
3) Comments on the preliminary report on the analysis of the current situation and potential
The results of the second online participation on the analysis of the current situation and potential (December 2025) can be found on the following subpages:
1) Comments on the 2045 target scenario
2) Comments on the 10 profiles of measures
3) Comments on the preliminary report on municipal heat planning
