Heat pumps in Dresden
Heat pumps in Dresden at a glance
Dresden submitted the revised heat plan to the city council in April 2026; adoption was planned for the council meeting on 25./26 June 2026 (a separately confirmed adoption date could not be conclusively verified, ask the City of Dresden for the current status). SachsenEnergie, formerly DREWAG, is investing around 1,5 billion EUR in the climate-neutral conversion of heat supply. By 2035, district heating is to operate without fossil sources.
Saxony does not offer direct grants for heat pumps, but rather reduced-interest loans through SAB. Owners in Dresden combine KfW 458 with the SAB programmes.
See also: Nationwide basis. KfW 458, GEG and technical minimum requirements apply in Dresden without restriction.
RECOMMENDED PROVIDERS
Funding in Dresden
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| KfW 458 (federal funding) | active |
| SAB Sachsenkredit Energie und Speicher | reduced-interest loan for electrically operated geothermal heat pumps up to 100 kWth, minimum investment 35.000 EUR |
| SAB Sachsenkredit Klimafreundlicher Wohnen | reduced-interest loan plus repayment grant (4–5 %) |
| SachsenEnergie heat pump tariff | active |
| City of Dresden direct funding for heat pumps | not provided for |
Details on KfW 458 are available in the Nationwide basis.
SAB Sachsenkredit Energie und Speicher
Application process and responsible bodies
Lower water authority of the City of Dresden
It is based in the Umweltamt and approves geothermal probes and groundwater heat pumps.
SachsenEnergie AG, formerly DREWAG
Provider of electricity, gas and district heating in Dresden.
SachsenNetze GmbH
Electricity and gas network operator in Dresden.
Energielotse Dresden
The city advice centre for residents on energy efficiency and the funding landscape.
Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)
Development bank of the Free State of Saxony.
Status of municipal heat planning
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Public consultation | Autumn 2025 |
| Confirmation by the Mayor | End of 2025 |
| Consideration by the city council | from April 2026 |
| Adoption planned | Council meeting 25./26 June 2026 |
| Federal deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Climate-neutral district heating | 2040 |
A separately confirmed adoption date could not be conclusively verified; check the current status directly with the City of Dresden.
Local features
SachsenEnergie investment programme
SachsenEnergie is investing 1,5 billion EUR in Dresden's natural-gas-free heat supply. Large heat pumps are a key component.
Friedrichstadt smart district heating network
A smart district heating network is being developed in Friedrichstadt as a model neighbourhood.
Planned large heat pumps
SachsenEnergie is planning further large heat pumps for the city's district heating system. Owners benefit indirectly from increasingly green district heating.
Frequently asked questions
Which funding applies to my heat pump in Dresden?
Above all, the federal KfW 458. funding. In addition, SAB Sachsenkredit Energie und Speicher and Klimafreundlicher Wohnen with a repayment grant.
Who approves a geothermal probe in Dresden?
The lower water authority in the Umweltamt.
When will Dresden's heat plan be adopted?
Adoption was planned for the council meeting on 25./26 June 2026; a separately confirmed adoption date could not be verified, ask the City of Dresden for the current status.
When will Dresden's district heating be climate-neutral?
By 2040, SachsenEnergie intends to generate district heating without fossil sources.