Modernization of Heating Systems in Jesteburg – Focus on Heat Pump Technology

Renewal of the Heating System in the Makens-Huus: A Milestone for Energy Efficiency in Jesteburg

In March 2026, the municipality of Jesteburg took a decisive step toward a more emissions-reduced and cost-efficient energy supply. The heating system in the Makens-Huus, a central municipal facility, which was over 40 years old, is being replaced by a heat pump cascade. This decision is not only a technological advancement but also a clear signal for climate protection and sustainability.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Heat Pumps as a Long-Term Investment

The municipality compared three heating options: the current state, a gas condensing boiler (GB), and a heat pump cascade (WP). The cost analysis over a period of 15 years shows clear advantages for heat pump technology.

• Annual Costs:

  • Current State: 8,373 €
  • Gas Condensing Boiler: 7,117 €
  • Heat Pump Cascade: 3,558 €

• Costs Over 15 Years:

  • Current State: 129,360 €
  • Gas Condensing Boiler: 109,956 €
  • Heat Pump Cascade: 54,978 €

The payback periods are 30.1 years for the gas condensing boiler and only 9.2 years for the heat pump cascade. This makes the heat pump not only ecologically but also economically attractive, particularly due to funding under the KfW-Bürgerenergiegesetz (KfW-BEG). Up to 35% of the eligible costs can be funded through the grant.

Funding and Financing: How is the Heat Pump Paid for?

The investment costs for the heat pump cascade amount to 83,380.92 € gross. After deducting the planned subsidies, the total expenditure is 54,200 € gross. The municipality has allocated budget funds and approved an unplanned expenditure of approximately 2,200 €, as the measure was classified as unavoidable.

The KfW funding is crucial here. It includes a basic grant of 30% and an efficiency bonus of 5% if the heat pump is operated with natural refrigerants. The total eligible costs are based on the net floor area of the building – in the case of the Makens-Huus, the maximum amount is 76,800 €.

Technology and Efficiency: Heat Pumps in Comparison

Another advantage of heat pump technology is its efficiency. The annual coefficient of performance (JAZ) is typically between 3 and 4, meaning that one kilowatt-hour of electricity produces three to four kilowatt-hours of heat. Compared to the current state (gas consumption of 52,330 kWh/year), the heat pump reduces annual electricity consumption to 11,120 kWh. Operating costs thus decrease by more than 4,800 € per year.

Together with the Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude, which has promised a financial donation for the Bendestorf outdoor pool, it becomes clear that other municipal projects can also benefit from investments in renewable energy.

Outlook: Sustainability as a Central Element of Energy Policy

The decision to install a heat pump cascade is a milestone in Jesteburg’s energy policy. It emphasizes that climate protection and cost savings are not opposites but rather complementary. By introducing modern heating systems and utilizing subsidies, the municipality is sending an important signal for future-proof energy supply.

The experiences from this project could serve as a model for other buildings in Jesteburg. The municipality has also announced an audit of financial management in 2026, showing that transparency and accountability are central criteria for energy policy decisions.