Stuttgart: Degerloch Heat Planning – How the City is Shaping the Energy Future

Heat Planning as a Key to Climate Neutrality

The energy transition is not only a matter of electricity generation, but also of heat supply. In Stuttgart, particularly in the district of Degerloch, the expansion of heat networks is a central part of the climate protection strategy. In February 2026, the Degerloch District Advisory Board passed an inter-party motion calling for the revision of the city of Stuttgart's heat plan. Clear criteria, technical feasibility, and public participation are at the forefront.

Criteria for the Expansion of Heat Networks

The Degerloch District Advisory Board has formulated clear guidelines to steer the expansion of heat networks. Central to this is the heat consumption density as a criterion: only areas with a density of more than 400 MWh per hectare and year should be included in the planning. This threshold ensures that heat networks are economically viable.

In addition, all available areas in Degerloch are being assessed for suitability for energy centers, geothermal or solar systems. It is important to include not only municipal areas, but also private plots, green spaces, and construction gaps in the evaluation.

Another focus is the integration of renewable heat sources. Geothermal energy, bio-based energy carriers, and solar energy are to be incorporated into the heat plan in order to become increasingly independent from fossil fuels in the long term. In addition, a quantitative economic comparison between centralized and decentralized heat supply options is planned to create transparent decision-making criteria.

Decentralized Solutions Complement Central Networks

In areas where a heat network is not economically viable, joint individual solutions should be promoted. However, these must be integrated into an overall solution in order to exploit synergies and be scalable in the long term. In contrast, a heat network is considered necessary in central Degerloch, as individual solutions are hardly possible there.

The base load of the local heat network in Degerloch is mainly based on heat pumps operating at supply temperatures of approximately 55°C. The use of waste heat sources such as from industry or wastewater treatment plants is also being discussed.

Public Participation and Planning Security

The Degerloch District Advisory Board is calling for active participation in the planning process to incorporate local knowledge and ideas. In addition, clear planning security by the end of 2026 is required. Residents need reliable information on the supplied areas, implementation timeframes, and costs to safeguard investment decisions.

The night ventilation, adjustment of the heating curve, and the evaluation of shading systems at buildings such as the Filderschule show that even small measures can contribute to energy efficiency. It is important that all data and criteria are transparent in order to build trust in the planning process.

A Model for Stuttgart and Beyond

The heat planning in Degerloch is not only a local project, but has model character for the entire city of Stuttgart. The district advisory board and civil society are working closely with the Environmental Office (AfU) to ensure a sustainable, climate-friendly, and economically viable heat supply. The inter-party motion shows that the topics of climate and energy are seen as a common challenge across party political boundaries.

The implementation of the heat plan in Degerloch can become a showcase project – not just for Stuttgart, but for other cities that are embarking on the path to a climate-neutral future.

Outlook: From Planning to Reality

The coming months will be decisive. With the revision of the heat plan and the creation of specific network areas, concrete expansion is imminent. The challenges lie in funding, land use, and public acceptance. But with clear criteria, transparent planning, and active public participation, Stuttgart can set a milestone in its climate neutrality strategy.