Heat pump Bremen
Heat pumps in Bremen at a glance
Bremen is a city state consisting of the two cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven. Both have more than 100.000 residents and were therefore subject to the same federal deadline of 30 June 2026. Both completed their municipal heat planning on time. Details are provided below under “Status of municipal heat planning”.
The former Bremen state funding programme ‘Heizungstausch’ run by BAB has not accepted any new applications since 1 September 2025. Private individuals use federal funding through KfW. The Wärmepumpeninitiative für Bremen und Bremerhaven brings together regional advice services.
See also: Nationwide basis. KfW 458, GEG and technical minimum requirements apply in Bremen without restriction.
RECOMMENDED PROVIDERS
Bremen state funding
The state of Bremen has discontinued its Heizungstausch programme in favour of federal funding. BAB remains active in supplementary housing funding.
| Programme | Target group | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Heizungstausch (BAB) | Private individuals | discontinued (1.9.2025) |
| BAB Wohnraumförderung | primarily rental housing construction | active |
| Federal KfW funding 458 | Private individuals | active |
The application deadline for Heizungstausch was 31 August 2025,; since then, BAB has not accepted any new applications.
BAB Wohnraumförderung is aimed primarily at energy-efficient new construction and the modernisation of rental flats. Cover for heat pumps in owner-occupied homes is not explicitly provided for, at most through general energy-efficiency criteria. BAB has announced a new loan programme for autumn 2026, which is not yet applicable.
The state's development bank is the Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB). The regional Wärmepumpeninitiative brings together advice and specialist firms.
Water law: geothermal energy and groundwater
Ground-source probes require a water-law permit under the Bremischen Wassergesetz (BremWG). The responsible authorities are the water authorities in Bremen and Bremerhaven.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Ground-source probe | water-law permit required |
| Notification requirement | in good time before drilling begins |
| Water protection areas | special rules, often restrictive |
| Bremen contact point | Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft |
| Bremerhaven contact point | Magistrat, Umweltschutzamt |
Bremen lies predominantly in flat geological areas with high groundwater sensitivity. An initial enquiry to the water authority is advisable.
PROVIDERS
Building regulations: noise protection and minimum distance
The Bremische Landesbauordnung (BremLBO) has been in force in a new version since 1 July 2024. The relevant provision is § 6 Abs. 8 sentence 1 no. 4 BremLBO.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Height (including enclosure) | up to 2 m |
| Length along the property boundary | up to 3 m |
| Own clearance area | not required within the size limits |
| Total length limit for all privileged installations | max. 18 m per property |
| Standard | TA Lärm |
Garages, solar installations, heat pumps and conservatories together share a total length limit of 18 metres per property (§ 6 Abs. 8 sentence 2 BremLBO). Installation on the property boundary is permitted within the size limits. TA Lärm also remains decisive.
Key authorities in the state
Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB)
BAB administers the state funding programmes and is the contact point for housing and energy funding.
Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft
The Senatorin is the water authority and climate department and managed the municipal heat planning of the city of Bremen.
Magistrat Bremerhaven, Umweltschutzamt
The Umweltschutzamt is the water authority for Bremerhaven.
Energiekonsens Klimaschutzagentur
The climate protection agency provides free advice to Bremen homeowners on the heating transition and funding.
Verbraucherzentrale Bremen
Verbraucherzentrale provides energy advice in both urban areas.
Energy advice telephone: 0800 809 802 400
Status of municipal heat planning
Both Bremen cities have more than 100.000 inhabitants and were therefore subject to the same federal deadline of 30 June 2026. Both completed on time.
| Municipality | Decision | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Bremen (municipality) | Senate decision 7.4.2026, approved by the Bürgerschaft 21.4.2026 | Heat plan adopted |
| Bremerhaven | 18.11.2025 | Heat plan adopted |
Both plans identify priority areas for district heating and areas for decentralised supply. Owners check the heat plan before replacing their heating system.
Frequently asked questions
Which funding applies to a heat pump in Bremen?
Above all, federal KfW funding 458. Bremen's Heizungstausch state programme has been discontinued since 1 September 2025. BAB also offers housing funding, but this is primarily aimed at rental housing construction; check carefully before applying for heat pumps in owner-occupied homes.
Do I need to maintain a minimum distance from my neighbour for the outdoor unit?
Not within fixed size limits: heat pumps up to 2 metres high and 3 metres long do not require their own clearance area. All installations privileged in this way together may occupy no more than 18 metres per property. TA Lärm remains important.
Who permits a ground-source probe in Bremen?
In the city of Bremen, the Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft. In Bremerhaven, the Magistrat via the Umweltschutzamt.
Does Bremen already have a heat plan?
Yes. Bremerhaven adopted the heat plan on 18 November 2025,. Bremen city did so by Senate decision on 7 April 2026, with final approval by the Bürgerschaft on 21 April 2026.
Where can I find advice on heat pumps?
The climate protection agency energiekonsens and Verbraucherzentrale Bremen offer free advice. The Wärmepumpeninitiative für Bremen und Bremerhaven lists specialist firms.
Note on currency
Bremen is revising its funding landscape, and a new BAB loan programme has been announced for autumn 2026. Check the current status with BAB and the Wärmepumpeninitiative.