Heat pump Munich
Heat pumps in Munich at a glance
Munich was the first major Bavarian city to adopt municipal heat planning. The city council adopted the first version on 15 May 2024,; an update followed in November 2024.
The city is pursuing a strong geothermal strategy. SWM are developing 10 geothermal projects with more than 50 deep boreholes, including continental Europe's largest inner-city geothermal facility on the Michaelibad site. The district heating network will grow by around 600 km by 2040.
Owners in Munich combine federal funding with the city's “Klimaneutrale Gebäude” programme (FKG, formerly FES). Additional funding of up to 5.000 Euro is available.
See also: Nationwide basis. KfW 458, GEG and technical minimum requirements apply in Munich without restriction.
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Funding in Munich
In addition to federal funding, owners in Munich have access to a dedicated municipal programme.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| FKG/FES Klimaneutrale Gebäude (heat pump) | up to 5.000 EUR |
| Eligible applicants | Owners in the city area, WEG, investors |
| Can be combined with | KfW 458 (federal funding) |
| Application | before awarding the contract, online via foerderung.muenchen.de |
| Bavaria state funding | not available (10.000-Häuser-Programm discontinued) |
The FKG can be combined with federal KfW funding 458. A total of around 33.000 Euro is possible at most (maximum KfW grant plus 5.000 Euro FKG). Details on KfW 458 are available in the Nationwide basis.
Funding advice is available through Bauzentrum München.
Telephone: 089 546 36 60
Email: bauzentrum.rgu@muenchen.de
Address: Willy-Brandt-Allee 10, 81829 Munich
Application process and responsible bodies
Untere Wasserbehörde (Sachgebiet Wasserrecht)
The Untere Wasserbehörde is based in the Referat für Klima- und Umweltschutz (RKU). It approves geothermal probes and groundwater heat pumps.
Sachgebiet Wasserrecht der Stadt München
Sachgebiet Förderprogramm Klimaneutrale Gebäude
The unit processes FKG applications and advises on options for combining funding with federal funding.
Sachgebiet FKG der Stadt München
Lokalbaukommission (LBK)
The LBK is the City of Munich's building control authority. It assesses noise protection and installation issues on a case-by-case basis.
District chimney sweep
There are several chimney-sweep districts in Munich. You can find the responsible district chimney sweep through Schornsteinfegerverband Bayern.
Stadtwerke München (SWM)
SWM are Munich's energy supplier and geothermal operator. They are the first point of contact for district heating connections.
Service telephone: 0800 796 796 0 (free of charge)
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Status of municipal heat planning
Munich is a pioneer among Bavaria's major cities.
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Resolution on first version of the heat plan | 15 May 2024 |
| Update with residents' comments | November 2024 |
| Federal WPG deadline | 30 June 2026 (exceeded) |
| Climate-neutral city | Target 2035 |
The heat plan identifies which neighbourhoods will receive district heating and where heat pumps or other solutions make sense. Owners should check the neighbourhood status before replacing their heating system.
Local features
Geothermal capital
Munich lies in the Molasse Basin, with excellent conditions for deep geothermal energy. SWM use this with 10 deep geothermal facilities, where water is extracted from depths of 2.500 to 3.500 metres. Private owners benefit indirectly from a climate-neutral district heating network.
Water protection zones
There are several drinking-water protection zones in Munich, especially in the west. Geothermal probes are restricted or prohibited there. Before any drilling, it is worth making a preliminary enquiry with the Sachgebiet Wasserrecht.
District heating priority areas
SWM plans district heating connections in densely built-up districts. Anyone living in a priority area should have the district heating connection assessed before installing a heat pump.
Frequently asked questions
What municipal funding is available in Munich for my heat pump?
The “Klimaneutrale Gebäude” programme (FKG) pays a grant of up to 5.000 Euro in addition to KfW funding. Owners in the city area, WEG and investors can apply.
What is the maximum combined funding available in Munich?
With FKG and KfW 458, a total of around 33.000 Euro is possible at most. The exact level of KfW funding depends on your individual circumstances; details are available in the Nationwide basis.
Who approves a geothermal probe in Munich?
The Sachgebiet Wasserrecht in the Referat für Klima- und Umweltschutz. Drilling requires a water-law permit. Probes are restricted in drinking-water protection zones.
Is Munich planning to make district heating mandatory?
The city identifies district heating priority areas in its heat plan. There is no connection requirement, but the 65 per cent requirement under the GEG can often be met most easily through district heating.
Which heating type is most worthwhile in Munich?
Where a connection to the SWM district heating network is available, district heating is often the simplest option. In decentralised neighbourhoods, a heat pump is the standard solution. The heat plan shows the neighbourhood status.