Municipal heat planning is a strategic planning tool that outlines how Mainz’s heat supply can be made climate-friendly, reliable, and affordable. It identifies climate-friendly supply options in various urban areas—such as district heating networks and decentralized solutions like heat pumps.

Since January 1, 2024, municipal heat planning has been required by law (Heat Planning Act). Large cities such as Mainz must submit a finalized heat plan by June 30, 2026. Coordinated planning prevents costly individual solutions, provides planning certainty for building owners, and enables a socially responsible heating transition.

The municipal heating plan builds on the findings of the Heating Master Plan 2.0, which was developed by Mainz Public Utilities. These findings are expanded upon, refined, and supplemented with input from local stakeholders. Municipal heating planning uses more up-to-date data and adopts a more granular approach to area divisions. As a result, the findings of the Heating Master Plan 2.0 are now outdated.

Effective immediately, municipal heating planning will be used as a valid informal planning tool for future decisions. Detailed information on the Heating Master Plan 2.0 can be found on the Mainz Public Utilities website: 

The Heat Plan was adopted by a resolution of the City Council on June 17, 2026, and serves as a basis for planning and decision-making for the city administration and energy providers.

However, the Heating Plan does not impose any direct legal obligations on building owners. Binding requirements for owners arise exclusively from the applicable federal laws, in particular the Building Modernization Act (GModG), which has been in effect since July 29, 2026. The Heating Plan itself does not impose any direct obligations on building owners.

The municipal heating plan outlines the climate-friendly heating options available in Mainz. As a resident, you have no direct obligations—the plan serves as a guide, for example, on district heating networks, heat pumps, or funding opportunities. For property owners in particular, it can serve as a valuable basis for decision-making regarding future investments. Especially when planning to replace a heating system or renovate a building, the heating plan can help you assess the long-term development of the heating supply in your area. However, it does not prescribe any specific heating technology.

You can actively stay informed, participate in community events, and share your suggestions or concerns. You can also check whether your own heating system is already efficient or can be converted to renewable energy.

The state capital of Mainz regularly provides updates on the progress of its heating plan through informational events and its website, www.mainz.de/waermeplanung (opens in a new tab). You can also contact them directly by email at waermeplanungstadt.mainzde.

By law, the heating plan must be completed by June 30, 2026. The City Council adopted the resolution on June 17, 2026. Implementation of the measures has already begun and will proceed gradually over many years, extending through 2035 and 2040. So there is no sudden deadline by which everything will be completed. The implementation of Mainz’s Heating Plan is an ongoing process that will continue over the next few years.