Suitability assessment sees little chance for larger heating networks – decentralized solutions are now to be examined more closely
The municipality of Bickenbach is continuing its municipal heat planning in cooperation with BBH Consulting AG. This is based on a suitability assessment conducted in 2025 in accordance with the Heat Planning Act. The assessment concluded that large parts of the municipality are likely unsuitable for either a district heating network or a future hydrogen network. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
This puts decentralized solutions at the forefront for Bickenbach. Further proceedings will involve a more detailed examination of heat pumps, shallow geothermal energy, groundwater, and other renewable heat sources.
Heat demand of approximately 51 gigawatt hours
For Bickenbach, a current total heat demand of approximately 51 gigawatt hours per year determined. While the suitability assessment identifies individual buildings and blocks with higher heat demands, there are no larger, contiguous streets where the heat density would make the installation of a district heating network economically viable. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
Nevertheless, potential was identified. The study points to the possibilities of deep geothermal energy. The wastewater treatment plant of the Bickenbach and Seeheim-Jugenheim wastewater association could also, in principle, be used as a heat source. A potential heat pump output of approximately 1.2 to 1.6 megawatts calculated there. However, developing such potential would involve considerable technical and economic effort. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
A hydrogen network is also currently unlikely
The feasibility of a hydrogen network was also investigated. While Bickenbach does have a gas network, the study concluded that it currently lacks both a hydrogen infrastructure and sufficiently large customers to make operation economically viable. Therefore, the suitability assessment concludes that the entire municipality is highly likely unsuitable for a hydrogen network. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
Mayor Markus Hennemann emphasizes that this does not yet constitute a decision regarding the future heating of individual buildings. Rather, the results indicate which options should be explored in greater depth during the next planning stages.
The heat plan does not specify heating for buildings
The next step involves examining the technical, economic, and environmental suitability of potential decentralized heat sources and supply solutions for Bickenbach. The municipality, together with BBH Consulting AG, intends to develop a long-term strategy for local heat supply. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
Important for homeowners: The municipal heat plan does not prescribe which heating system must be installed in a specific building. It serves as a strategic planning tool for the future heat supply in the various areas of the municipality. bickenbach-bergstrasse.de
According to the Heat Planning Act, municipalities with a population of no more than 100,000 are generally required to develop a heat plan by June 30, 2028. In Hesse, this obligation now applies to all municipalities.
(BICKENBACH – RED/PSB)
