Taufkirchen as a pioneer: Biogas for climate-friendly district heating!

Taufkirchen as a pioneer: Biogas for climate-friendly district heating!

There are exciting developments in climate protection in the Bavarian community of Taufkirchen. By 2028, all municipalities in Germany must draw up their own climate protection plans in order to become CO₂-neutral by 2045. As the South German newspaper reported, there are already advanced concepts in Taufkirchen. The community relies on three important pillars: electricity from renewable energies, the expansion of mobility and CO₂-free heating.

Taufkirchen, with around 11,000 residents, has established itself as a pioneer in district heating supply in recent years. The Taufkirchen municipal utilities were founded 15 years ago and enable the use of electricity, heat and natural gas. At a time when many residential buildings, especially those from the 1950s to 1980s, are still heated with oil or gas, the community sees district heating-based solutions from biogas plants as an attractive alternative.

Challenges and opportunities

The federal government's climate protection plan until 2050 has clear goals: a largely greenhouse gas-neutral Germany. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced by at least 55% compared to 1990. Taufkirchen could also participate in these goals, because the use of biogas can play a central role in the building sector. Around a third of greenhouse gases are produced here, and major efforts are necessary to significantly reduce primary energy requirements by 2050, according to this Federal Ministry of Economics.

A critical point is the region's experience with biogas plants. In the past, there have been environmental disasters caused by poor management. In the neighboring community of Dorfen, for example, operators of biogas plants only had to pay small fines for environmental damage. The concerns of residents in Taufkirchen are not unfounded, which is why the municipality also offers free energy advice for residents of remote settlements.

Climate protection in the European context

However, the climate goals go beyond the Federal Republic and should also be achieved at the European level. Like that Federal Environment Agency As illustrated, the EU has set itself the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The key measures include increasing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.

Bavaria shows once again how important local initiatives and interaction with overarching political goals are. If the challenges are overcome, Taufkirchen could act as a shining example for other communities in Munich's suburbs and further consolidate its pioneering role in the field of district heating and climate protection.