Düsseldorf is investing millions in renewable energies – the heating transition is starting!

Düsseldorf is investing millions in renewable energies – the heating transition is starting!

Stadtwerke Düsseldorf has set itself ambitious goals and plans to invest more than one billion euros in the energy transition by 2030. This was recently announced and illustrates the municipal utilities' firm determination to actively shape their future. With a particular focus on the expansion of district heating, the municipal utilities not only want to increase security of supply, but also make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Last year, 125 million euros were already invested, and a significant increase in investments is expected by 2025. This reports rp online.

The results of the 2023 municipal utility study, carried out by Ernst & Young (EY) and the Federal Association of the Energy and Water Industry (BDEW), underline the importance of these measures. The municipal utilities have mastered the energy crisis well in 2022 and are now faced with the challenge of developing long-term procurement strategies. An important aspect is the decarbonization of the heat supply, which requires high levels of investment. The pressure to adapt to these changes is high, and municipal utilities are actively looking for new business areas in order to remain future-proof. According to the study, 89% of the municipal utilities surveyed see the expansion of renewable energies as a central task. This development is not just a trend, but is seen as crucial for future competitiveness.

Prioritizing the heat transition

88% of municipal utilities are prioritizing the heat transition, which shows that digitalization previously played an important role, but is now being overtaken by the topics of renewable energies and the heat transition. Municipal utilities are proving to be important partners for municipal heat planning and also see opportunities for new business models in the heat transition. These strategies are essential to keep pace with changing market conditions while meeting municipal and environmental needs.

It is noteworthy that 36% of public utilities already offer decarbonization solutions, while 29% have a decarbonization strategy. Nevertheless, 19% of municipal utilities have not yet developed a clear strategy. The importance of traditional business models, especially energy and water supply, will decrease in the future, which is why adjustments are necessary in order to remain successful in the long term. The municipal utilities that view electricity, gas and heat as an integrated unit have better conditions to develop new business areas.

The coming years will be crucial as investments in infrastructure, thermal planning and decarbonization strategies play a central role. The energy transition will therefore not only be a challenge, but also an opportunity for municipal utilities to reposition themselves and meet the requirements of a more sustainable energy future. Loud renewableenergies.de The municipal utilities have the necessary flexibility to develop and implement innovative solutions.