At its meeting on July 16, the City Council of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer approved the Municipal Heat Plan (KWP). The goal of this plan is to develop a long-term, climate-neutral, and economically viable strategy for heat supply. From December 2023 to December 2024, the city worked with the contracted firm, the Horizonte Group, to develop the KWP plan. The results of the current status and potential analysis have already been presented at a public meeting. Within the city administration, a steering committee is responsible for initiating the implementation of the measures.
Here's what happens next
Various concrete steps are planned for the implementation of the municipal heating plan in Kevelaer. As part of the planning process, two suitable areas were identified where the construction of a heating network would be possible. In such a network, connected households are supplied directly with heat generated regionally from renewable energy sources—such as geothermal energy, river water heat, or biogas. To assess the exact feasibility of this in Kevelaer, a feasibility study will be conducted. In addition, the potential identified in the district heating plan will be further examined, for example in the area of deep geothermal energy. A planned public meeting will also provide information on the results of the district heating plan, its specific impacts, and available assistance and support services.
Among these initiatives is the “Energy Caravan,” an outreach energy counseling campaign set to begin in October. Through this program, homeowners are offered energy counseling right in their own homes. The Energy Caravan will kick off on September 30, starting in the Wetten neighborhood.
Another service we offer is the Citizen Solar Advisory Service: trained volunteers advise interested citizens on photovoltaic systems and energy storage.
For more information about these offers, visit: www.kevelaer.de/klima
Legal Changes
At the same time, key legal requirements have changed. The original requirement—that, starting July 1, 2028, newly installed heating systems in Kevelaer must be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy—was repealed by new provisions in the Building Modernization Act (GModG) of July 29, 2026. As a result, the installation of new gas and oil heating systems is once again permitted in principle. However, starting in 2029, these heating systems will be subject to a gradually increasing mandatory quota for the use of climate-neutral fuels—the so-called “bio-staircase.”
“Against the backdrop of rising energy and gas prices, it is crucial to gradually transition Kevelaer’s heat supply to an independent and sustainable model. Since a large portion of emissions comes from heating buildings, this is precisely where the key to future-proof development lies,” summarizes Mayor Dominik Pichler. “By systematically reducing our dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and gas, we are not only protecting the climate but also ensuring the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Kevelaer as a business hub.”