In an engaging panel discussion at ISH 2025, experts from associations, trades, science, and industry exchange their perspectives on the municipal heat transition (in Germany). The focus lies on current political decisions – especially the planned special fund – and their significance for expanding climate-friendly infrastructure.
The participants address key challenges: from price transparency in district heating to network losses, technology neutrality, and the pivotal role of the skilled trades. Funding policy, the decoupling of municipal heat planning from the Building Energy Act, and the high demand for consultation around heat pump installation are also central topics.
One thing becomes clear: the heat transition can only succeed through the collaboration of all stakeholders – politics, municipalities, industry, and the trades. What is needed are realistic solutions, reliable frameworks, and honest communication with citizens.
Moderator:
René Ebert, VdZ – German Association for Energy and Building Technology, Head of Technical Affairs
Panelists:
Dr. Kai Roger Lobo, Managing Director Energy Industry, Association of Local Utilities (VKU)
Thorsten Jakob, Managing Director of Jakob Heizung + Sanitär GmbH, Head of the State Trade Group SHK Hesse, Federal Trade Group Leader SHK at ZVSHK
Tom Jannek, Head of Energy and Building Team, Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv)
Dr. Norbert Azuma-Dicke, Head of Strategy and Policy, Federation of the German Heating Industry (BDH)
Helge Oude-Aost, Project Manager for Energy System Analysis, Fraunhofer IFAM – Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials
