Heidelberg on the way to climate neutrality: progress and plans!

Heidelberg on the way to climate neutrality: progress and plans!

Heidelberg, Deutschland - The city of Heidelberg determines climate protection and drives its climate protection action plan (CAP). On June 5, 2025, the current state of affair was presented in the municipal council, the measures, which are both completed and currently being implemented. In the course of the EU mission "100 climate-neutral and smart cities", the city has undertaken to become climate-neutral by 2030 and proudly report on initial successes. The target of 25 megawatts of additional photovoltaic performance for 2025 could already be achieved. In total, Heidelberg now has more than 48 megawatts installed photovoltaic performance, which supplies around 21,000 households with electricity.

Another focus is on the climate -neutral heat supply, where municipal heat planning has already started. The aim is to make at least 90% of district heating CO₂-neutral by 2030. Technologies such as river heat pumps and wastewater heat pumps are used. Especially since the district heating in the summer months is already CO₂-neutral, it becomes clear that the city takes ambitious steps here in order to meet the heat transition. Heidelberg also celebrates success in the mobility area: A new bike strategy for 2030 was adopted and special bus lines, such as lines 37 and 713, have proven themselves in commuter traffic.

focused measures and progress

The city administration has proven a good hand in recent years and puts many central measures into practice. This includes the further expansion of renewable energies, the implementation of municipal heat planning, the updating of district energy concepts and an increased renovation rate in the building stock. The expansion of the cycling speed network and the improvement of the public transport offer are also on the agenda. In addition to these measures, the city is working on projects to adapt to climate change, such as greenery projects and heavy rain protection.

It is particularly noteworthy that a total of 30 measures are recorded in the current status of the climate protection action plan that cover areas such as energy supply, urban development and nutrition. Of these, 11 measures have already been successfully completed, while 15 are still being implemented. However, four measures have to be abandoned, which illustrates the challenges in climate protection.

EU climate protection policy and the role of cities

Heidelberg's commitment is also reflected in the overarching European climate goals. The EU has set itself the goal of becoming greenhouse gas neutral by 2050. Here, there is a lot on the national and municipal initiatives that underpin EU policy. The latest EU strategies, such as the Repower EU measures package, aims to diversify the energy supply and increase in energy efficiency, emphasize the importance of these initiatives for climate protection. In this context, for example, Berlin mentions similar steps to become climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest and to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

Overall, it is clear: The city of Heidelberg is on the right track and its active action makes the climate -neutral future more tangible. While you take care of the expansion of renewable energies and sustainable mobility in the city, it at the same time makes an important contribution to the comprehensive climate goals, which are also pursued at European level. The progress in the city shows that climate protection is possible through determination and clear strategies, and not only in Heidelberg. mrn news reports on the latest stand, while The city of Berlin follows its own climate protection plans, and the Environmental Federal Agency illuminated the European perspective.