Nordhorn Commits to Sustainable Energy Planning and Infrastructure

Nordhorn and the Transformation of Energy and Infrastructure Policy

March 2026 proved to be a pivotal month in Nordhorn’s municipal energy policy. With the approval of the municipal heat plan, the introduction of the housing construction accelerator, and the protection of industrial areas, the city has set a clear course toward climate neutrality and sustainable urban development. These decisions are not only required by legal obligations but also represent a step toward long-term competitiveness and quality of life.

Municipal Heat Plan: Foundation for Climate-Friendly Heating

The unanimous approval of the municipal heat plan (with two dissenting votes) marks a milestone in Nordhorn’s climate protection strategy. According to § 20 of the Lower Saxony Climate Act, the city was required to develop such a plan by the end of 2026. The heat plan includes a comprehensive status analysis, a potential analysis, a target scenario, and a transformation strategy up to 2045.

Key measures include the use of river heat, centralized heat pump systems, wastewater heat recovery at the sewage treatment plant, and the development of a digital twin for heat planning. Implementation is planned within five years of publication, and the plan will be updated every five years.

These measures are not only a step toward CO₂ reduction but also a signal to investors and residents that Nordhorn is committed to sustainable solutions.

Housing Construction Accelerator: Speed with Caution

The Council has decided to apply the housing construction accelerator under § 246e of the Building Code – with a clear restriction: it does not apply in areas with existing zoning plans, such as Döppersweg or Holzstraße. This instrument allows construction to be approved within three months without the consent of neighbors, reducing planning uncertainty.

At the same time, the city remains cautious: for projects affecting neighboring properties, public participation is required. The first projects that could benefit from this instrument include new residential development in Wilhelm-Raabe-Straße, the Kanalweg, and the Goorstiege.

The housing construction accelerator is a tool to combat the housing shortage – but not without risks to neighborhood relations. Nordhorn demonstrates through this decision that it is consciously balancing speed and participation.

Right of First Refusal for Industrial Area: Protection Against Speculation

Another key step is the approval of the right of first refusal for the industrial area “East of Wietmarscher Straße.” The area between Wietmarscher Straße, Lingener Straße, and the northern bypass will be protected in the future by a right of first refusal, allowing the city to enter into purchase contracts. This instrument is particularly aimed at preventing speculation and ensuring urban development.

The ordinance was unanimously adopted on March 12, 2026. Family sales are exempt from the right of first refusal, ensuring a fair treatment of private properties while strengthening the city’s capacity to act.

Energy Potentials: Nordhorn as a Model City for Heat Pumps

Nordhorn has examined a range of energy potentials that have been analyzed in recent years. The analyses show that heat pumps will be a central component of future heating supply. The use of heat pumps alone will increase electricity consumption in Nordhorn by approximately 123.2 GWh per year – a challenge that must be addressed by expanding the electricity infrastructure.

In addition to heat pump technology, Nordhorn has also focused on geothermal and river-based heat use. The Vechte River and the Ems-Vechte Canal offer valuable resources that can be optimally used in combination with digital planning tools such as the digital twin.

The city plans to implement heat networks in the areas “Am Strampel” and “Schulzentrum” by 2030 and in the city center and around the sewage treatment plant by 2035. These networks will mainly be operated using heat pumps with water-to-water technology, enabling CO₂ reduction of more than 800 tons per year compared to natural gas consumption.

Prerequisites for the Future: Electricity Grid and Renovation Rate

Nordhorn has also taken concrete steps in the area of electricity supply. With a renovation rate of 1% per year, it is possible to reduce heat consumption by 12.8% by 2040. At the same time, electricity demand will rise due to heat pumps and e-mobility, which is why the Council recommends conducting an electricity grid check.

Support from BAFA and KfW plays a crucial role here. Up to 70% of the costs for heating system changes can be subsidized, significantly reducing investment costs for residents and businesses. Investments in heat networks are associated with specific costs of 20.2 ct/kWh, with maintenance costs at 1.5% of the investment.

Conclusion: Nordhorn as a Pioneer in Energy and Infrastructure Policy

The decisions of March 2026 show that Nordhorn is actively moving in the transformation of the energy and infrastructure sectors. With the municipal heat plan, the housing construction accelerator, and the protection of industrial areas, the city has set a clear course that combines climate protection and economic development.

The city is not only following legal requirements but is also consciously focusing on innovation and sustainability. With the planned heat networks, promotion of renewable energies, and securing infrastructure, Nordhorn is positioning itself as a model city for a climate-friendly and livable future.