Climate Protection in Rosengarten: Geothermal District Heating and Energy Reports in Focus

Climate Protection in Rosengarten: Geothermal District Heating and Energy Reports in Focus

The municipality of Rosengarten has clearly positioned itself as a pioneer in climate protection in recent years. In February 2026, it presented two central projects: a cold district heating network utilizing near-surface geothermal energy and the 2024 Energy Report. Both initiatives illustrate how the municipality implements sustainable energy supply and climate protection in practice – and highlight the challenges that still remain.

Cold District Heating Network: Geothermal Energy as a CO2-Free Alternative

In the residential area "Am Luhedeich" in Winsen (Luhe), a cold district heating network is being implemented that relies on near-surface geothermal energy. This project, supported by Stadtwerke Winsen (Luhe) GmbH, is discussed as a model for climate-friendly heating in older residential areas and water protection zones. The system consists of a ground collector with a 2,200 m² collector area and 300 absorber strings. Heat is transported via a brine-water mixture (temperature range -2 to 14 °C) and used in decentralized heat pumps in the buildings.

A key advantage of the technology is CO2-free heating, provided the electricity mix is climate-friendly. In addition, geothermal energy offers a lower primary energy factor and better energy yield than air-water heat pumps. However, the economic viability depends heavily on factors such as connection and usage obligations, land availability, and BAFA funding. Without external support, the project is not financially feasible.

2024 Energy Report: Progress and Challenges

The 2024 Energy Report of the municipality of Rosengarten provides a detailed overview of energy consumption and CO2 emissions from the 30 municipal buildings and street lighting. The data shows that heat consumption in 2024 decreased by 22.92 % compared to 2023, which was an above-average consumption year. Electricity consumption also dropped by 8.89 %.

A special project aimed at improving the data foundation is the municipal energy management system using the software INM-Management. This system records energy consumption, costs, and CO2 emissions in real time. The goal is to collect quarterly consumption data to identify levers for energy savings more quickly. The municipality has started improving the data foundation, particularly regarding building sizes (m² NGF).

Climate Protection Management and Funding: Future Perspectives

The continuation of climate protection management is planned for the 2026/2027 budget. A staff position is scheduled, depending on the approval of funding by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. In addition, the funding of balcony power plants and solar thermal energy will continue. The municipality also plans to participate in the 2027 Noise Action Plan and provide funds for charging infrastructure in the Harburg district.

Another project under discussion is a combined heat and power plant. An emissions report in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act is planned and will be integrated into the urban planning procedure. The municipality is thus pursuing a holistic approach that equally considers environmental concerns, climate protection, and social aspects.

Conclusion: Rosengarten as a Model for Municipal Climate Protection

Rosengarten demonstrates with projects such as the cold district heating network and the 2024 Energy Report how a municipality can actively move toward climate goals. The combination of technological progress, data-based energy efficiency, and political support makes Rosengarten a role model in rural areas. However, it also becomes clear here that climate protection does not only depend on technical solutions, but also on financial support, political will, and the willingness of residents.

In the coming years, it will be crucial to consolidate progress and further develop new projects such as the natural swimming area Sieversen. Rosengarten has shown: climate protection is possible – and it is worth it.