Since 1 January 2024, the Heat Planning Act has been in force, which grants municipalities a key role in the heat transition. We, more than 200 environmental associations and civil society actors, welcome heat planning as a strategic tool for a climate-neutral and secure heat supply. At the same time, we warn against the apparent solution hydrogen:
Hydrogen is inefficient, unlikely to be available and will remain expensive in the medium and long term. Hydrogen in municipal heating planning thus represents a cost trap for municipalities and their citizens. Hydrogen in heat planning also jeopardises national climate targets.