Mannheim in Germany Plans Gas Heating Phase Out by 2035

Germany: Germany's transition towards climate-friendly heating has advanced with Mannheim becoming the first major city to announce a phase-out of its gas grid by 2035. MVV, the city's local utility, has indicated that gas-fired heating is no longer a sustainable choice and is likely to become more costly as fewer customers use the system, increasing individual maintenance costs. The company has encouraged residents to consider alternative heating methods and plans to gradually decommission the gas network by the target date. 

To support the transition, MVV has introduced the "Mannheim-model," which includes connecting thousands of homes to district heating, providing energy consultations, and offering financial support for households interested in sustainable options like heat pumps. The plan aligns with recent EU regulations that require gas grid decommissioning plans by 2026. As part of Germany’s broader efforts, the federal government has introduced policies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including laws preventing the installation of new oil and gas heating systems and promoting district heating solutions. 

Source: Clean Energy Wire