Ulm is turning up the heat: District heating on a large scale – that’s what’s behind it!

Ulm is turning up the heat: District heating on a large scale – that’s what’s behind it!

A hot topic in Schwäbisch Gmünd-Bettringen

In Schwäbisch Gmünd-Bettringen, Swabia, the discussion about alternative heat sources is in full swing. While district heating is being expanded significantly in the neighboring city of Ulm, numerous citizens there are under pressure because they have to stick to their existing heat sources due to old contracts. One of the voices in this dilemma is Thomas Kuchinke, who renovated his house according to the latest standards and even used a solar system. He has prepared everything to install a heat pump, but an easement prevents him from using it. Due to the contractual obligations, he remains obliged to purchase district heating. The pressure is growing.

While Kuchinke has already terminated the district heating contract, he remains bound to the old contracts and has mixed feelings about the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd's proposals. They plan to build a new local heating network, but that could still take years. A citizen survey should also clarify whether residents would prefer their own heating or the new heating network. The decision on the future of the district heating network in Bettringen will be made by the local council in May.

Progress in Ulm and the role of district heating

Ulm, on the other hand, is making progress: a third of households here are already connected to district heating, with the goal of reaching over 50 percent by 2040. According to Michael Berger, Technical Director of FUG, the demand for district heating has steadily increased. To meet this demand, up to five kilometers of district heating pipes are laid every year. In addition, a new heat storage facility is being built, which is quite impressive at 84 meters high and 35 meters in diameter.

The chairman of the BUND Ulm district association, Martin Denoix, sees district heating as positive as long as no fossil fuels are used. However, he criticizes the use of contaminated wood and calls for more transparency in exhaust gas measurements. District heating proves to be particularly advantageous in the densely built-up districts of Ulm because it avoids the need for large heat pumps or the additional maintenance costs that come with individual heating systems.

A look at the challenges

However, there is also a fly in the ointment: for old buildings that have not been renovated, district heating is often more efficient than using heat pumps, which can result in higher costs if there are large distances between the connected buildings. In Ulm, customers can cancel their district heating contracts annually, but this does not apply to the citizens of Bettring, who are stuck with old contracts.

The challenges are diverse, and while Ulm is working towards the success of its district heating goals, the citizens of Schwäbisch Gmünd-Bettringen are still struggling to decide which type of heat supply is best for them. If citizen discussions and participation remain active, the heat transition in the region could offer opportunities for a sustainable future.

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