Krefeld's Climate Protection Offensive: From Heat Plans to Photovoltaic Strategy

Krefeld's Heat Plan: The Key to Climate Neutrality

Krefeld's municipal heat plan is the central instrument for making the heating sector climate-neutral by 2045. At present, natural gas and heating oil account for 90% of greenhouse gas emissions in this sector – which is why the expansion of district heating, local heating networks, and heat pumps is a priority. Particularly waste-heat-based solutions, such as the use of transformer stations in the zoo district, show potential that will be further developed in feasibility studies.

At the same time, hydrogen is being considered cautiously. The city has removed it from the final report due to legal, economic, and ecological uncertainties. For now, hydrogen remains relevant only in areas such as industry or heavy goods transport.

The heat plan will be adopted by the Council by 30 June 2026 and adjusted to meet the requirements of the Circular Economy Act (GMG). SWK plans to present the planning in the Supervisory Board on 9 March 2026 – another milestone in implementation.

Climate Analysis and Climate Adaptation: How Krefeld is Responding to Heat

The new climate analysis replaces the planning guidance map from 2003 and integrates new maps on heat islands, wind fields, and perceived temperatures. Since 2003, the city has already warmed by +1°C, and projections indicate that temperatures could rise by +2–5°C by 2100.

In response, Krefeld is developing a climate adaptation action plan, scheduled for the summer of 2026. Public participation is a central element: citizen science projects, cool places for vulnerable groups, and the creation of pocket parks are measures to involve the population in climate adaptation.

Another project is the so-called "Heat Action Plan," to be presented in 2026. This plan is expected to include measures such as water dispensers, heat warning systems, and greening concepts. In addition, a tree concept will be developed to protect trees in heat-prone areas and plan new plantings.

Photovoltaic Strategy: Where and How Krefeld Generates Energy

Krefeld has thoroughly examined land use planning for photovoltaic open-space installations. The city identified 5.45% of the municipal area as suitable for conventional PV systems, 7.19% for habitat-PV, and 12.35% for agri-PV.

The evaluation was conducted under strict ecological, legal, and spatial planning criteria – such as protected area regulations, soil protection, and open space protection. The results show that many areas are strongly affected by conflict risks, particularly in areas with high nature conservation value.

Nevertheless, Krefeld is relying on agri-PV and habitat-PV to generate energy without completely displacing agricultural land. Floating PV on decommissioned water bodies and low-temperature heating networks are further options currently being examined in feasibility studies.

Climate Protection Financing and Communication: How the City Gains Funds and Support

Financing remains a central challenge. Krefeld is discussing class action lawsuits against CO₂ emitters and is relying on federal funding programs such as KlimaGebäude.NRW or KfW programs. In addition, the city plans to appoint a communications officer for the heating transition to inform the public about the interdependencies between the electricity grid and heat pumps.

Public participation is being strengthened through online platforms, workshops, and the AltBauNeu initiative. Krefeld wants not only to act politically, but also to actively involve the population in the climate protection strategy.

Conclusion: Krefeld on the Path to Climate Neutrality

In the past weeks, Krefeld has set a clear course in climate protection policy. With the municipal heat plan, climate analysis, photovoltaic strategy, and financial and communication implementation, the city has laid the foundations for a climate-neutral future. The next step is implementation – and here it will be decisive how strongly politics, business, and the population work together.