Bremen and EWE are launching a major offensive for climate-neutral district heating!

Bremen and EWE are launching a major offensive for climate-neutral district heating!

The cooperation between EWE and the city of Bremen is taking shape. Today, on July 2, 2025, a declaration of intent was presented that aims to achieve more intensive cooperation in the energy and heat transition. A central point of this joint initiative is the expansion of the district heating network, which is of great importance for the development of a climate-neutral energy supply. Buten un binnen reports that the Bremen state government is also examining whether to provide financial support for the energy transition projects of SWB, a subsidiary of EWE.

In this context, it is also planned to set up an advisory board that will facilitate coordination between Bremen and EWE in the area of ​​the energy transition. EWE expects an investment requirement of a whopping 3 billion euros for the projects in Bremen. SWB currently employs around 2,300 people who work on the region's energy supply.

Heating networks as the key to the energy transition

District heating plays a key role in the heat transition, as Agora Energiewende states. Forecasts show that by 2045 a third of apartments could be supplied with district heating. The rapid expansion and conversion of the heating networks is essential, while at the same time the aim is to switch energy production from large fossil power plants to renewable energy sources such as geothermal energy and waste heat.

However, the transformation process presents district heating suppliers with considerable challenges. High electricity prices and uncertainties regarding funding make it difficult to finance the necessary investments. According to recent developments, the cost of district heating could rise by a third by 2045 if no adjustments are made to the regulatory framework. Experts are therefore calling for support in the form of lower electricity costs and secure funding frameworks.

Customers in focus: consumer protection and cost reduction

80% of district heating recipients who live in low-income rental households are particularly affected by rising costs. High additional payments due to the energy crisis have put these households under pressure. In order to strengthen consumer protection, proposals to reduce costs are being discussed, including reducing electricity taxes and reforming network fees. The goal remains to position climate-neutral district heating as an attractive and economical alternative.

The ambitious goal for the future is to double annual connections to 100,000 buildings by 2045. The need for rapid expansion of heating networks is essential to ensure security of supply and at the same time promote climate protection. The study “Heating networks: climate-neutral, economical and affordable”, which can be downloaded free of charge, analyzes the economic challenges and possible transformation paths in detail.