Heat pump Bochum
Heat pumps in Bochum at a glance
Bochum’s heat plan was presented to the responsible committee (ASUN) on 23 April 2026 and was publicly available from 18 May to 19 June 2026. The council decision is expected on 1 October 2026 – after the federal deadline of 30 June 2026. Stadtwerke Bochum supplies the city with electricity, gas and district heating. The NRW-wide progres.nrw funding provides up to 12.000 EUR for geothermal borehole probes.
See also: Nationwide basis. KfW 458, GEG and the technical minimum requirements apply in Bochum without restriction.
RECOMMENDED PROVIDERS
Funding in Bochum
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| KfW 458 (federal funding) | active |
| progres.nrw (geothermal energy) | up to 12.000 EUR, Bezirksregierung Arnsberg |
| KfW loan 261/262 | active |
| City of Bochum directly | Funding priorities change, see Klimaschutz in Bochumer Gebäuden |
Details on KfW 458 and loan 261/262 are provided in the Nationwide basis. progres.nrw supports geothermal borehole probes for private individuals until 30 June 2027. Minimum distances have not applied in NRW since 1 January 2024.
Application process and responsible authorities
Untere Wasserbehörde der Stadt Bochum
Based in the Umweltamt. Approves geothermal borehole probes and groundwater heat pumps before installation.
Stadtwerke Bochum
Supplier of electricity, gas and district heating in Bochum. Offers advice on heat-pump tariffs.
Bezirksregierung Arnsberg
Application body for progres.nrw. Processes applications for funding for near-surface geothermal energy systems.
PROVIDERS
Status of municipal heat planning
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Presentation to the committee (ASUN) | 23 April 2026 |
| Public consultation | 18 May to 19 June 2026 |
| Federal deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Council decision expected | 1 October 2026 |
Bochum is currently working on its heat plan; the council decision will follow after the federal deadline. The city identifies areas for new heating networks and areas where decentralised solutions such as heat pumps are suitable.
Local features
Bochum has an existing district-heating network that is to be expanded. However, an individual system such as a heat pump is more economical in many parts of the city. The city works with Stadtwerke to expand climate-friendly district heating.
When installing a geothermal borehole probe, the lower water authority is responsible. As Bochum is not located in a water protection area, approvals are generally straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Which funding applies to my heat pump in Bochum?
Above all, federal funding through KfW 458. You can also use progres.nrw funding if you install a geothermal or groundwater heat pump.
Who approves a geothermal borehole probe in Bochum?
The lower water authority in the Umweltamt of the City of Bochum approves drilling for geothermal borehole probes. The deadline is around four weeks.
Can I install a heat pump without central heating?
Yes. With modern systems and good insulation, a heat pump also works in older houses with radiators.
Does Bochum have a heat plan?
The draft was publicly available from 18 May to 19 June 2026. The council decision is expected on 1 October 2026, after the federal deadline of 30 June 2026.