Heat pump Saarland
Heat pumps in Saarland at a glance
Saarland is the smallest non-city state and, with Saarbrücken, has only one city with more than 100.000 inhabitants. Details on heat planning are provided below under “Status of municipal heat planning”.
In Saarland, funding is provided through SIKB in the form of low-interest loans rather than grants. Details are provided below under “Saarland state funding”.
See also: Federal basis. KfW 458, GEG and the technical minimum requirements apply in Saarland without restriction.
RECOMMENDED PROVIDERS
Saarland state funding
| Programme | Target group | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| SIKB Erneuerbare Energien Standard | Private individuals | active |
| SIKB Modernisierung selbstgenutztes Wohneigentum | Private individuals | active |
| Urban renewal areas | Owners in specified areas | active |
SIKB Erneuerbare Energien Standard supports heat pumps with a low-interest loan of up to 100 per cent of eligible net costs, with a term of 5, 10 or 20 Jahre. The current interest rate is provided by the SIKB-Konditionsanzeiger.
SIKB Modernisierung selbstgenutztes Wohneigentum covers up to 80 per cent of costs, up to a maximum of 75.000 EUR, at a fixed interest rate of 1 per cent for the entire term.
Owners in urban renewal areas receive preferential terms. Information is available from the SIKB housing construction hotline 0681 3033-333.
For private individuals, the federal KfW 458 funding is also the main route.
The funding bank is the SIKB.
Water law: geothermal energy and groundwater
Ground-source probes require a water-law permit in Saarland under the Saarländischen Wassergesetz (SWG). Unlike in most other federal states, responsibility lies not with the lower water authority of the district but centrally with the Landesamt für Umwelt- und Arbeitsschutz (LUA).
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Ground-source probe | water-law permit required |
| Centrally responsible authority | Landesamt für Umwelt- und Arbeitsschutz (LUA) |
| Recommended probe spacing | 5 m up to a probe length of 50 m, 6 m above this |
| Water protection areas | special rules, often restrictive |
Saarland has 6 districts and the Regionalverband Saarbrücken as a district-like entity.
PROVIDERS
Building regulations: noise protection and minimum distance
The Landesbauordnung Saarland (LBO) does not contain its own fixed heat-pump exemption, unlike some other federal states. The general rule in § 7 Abs. 7 LBO applies to structures that are not buildings: the setback rules apply where a structure is higher than 2 metres and has the effect of a building, or is higher than 1 metres and accessible.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed heat-pump exemption | not available |
| Setback requirement | depends on the individual case (§ 7 Abs. 7 LBO) |
| Installation at the property boundary | possible, individual assessment required |
| Standard | TA Lärm |
For the precise interpretation in an individual case, ask the building supervisory authority of your district or the Regionalverband Saarbrücken.
Key authorities in the federal state
Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB)
SIKB is the state's funding bank for housing and energy support.
Service Centre telephone: 0681 3033-0
Ministerium für Umwelt, Klima, Mobilität, Agrar und Verbraucherschutz (MUKMAV)
MUKMAV is responsible for water law and climate protection.
Landesamt für Umwelt- und Arbeitsschutz (LUA)
LUA is the centrally responsible authority for water-law authorisation of geothermal energy use.
Lower water authorities
The lower water authorities are based in the 6 districts and in the Regionalverband Saarbrücken.
Verbraucherzentrale Saarland
Verbraucherzentrale Saarland offers energy advice at several locations.
Telephone: 0681 50089-0
verbraucherzentrale-saarland.de
Status of municipal heat planning
In Saarland, only Saarbrücken had to meet the federal deadline of 30 June 2026. Saarbrücken adopted the heat plan on time; details are provided in the city document.
All other municipalities have until 30 June 2028.
Frequently asked questions
What funding applies to my heat pump in Saarland?
Primarily the federal KfW 458. funding. In addition, SIKB offers low-interest modernisation loans, in some cases with a fixed interest rate of 1 per cent. There is no grant specifically for heat pumps.
Are there special terms in Saarland for particular districts?
Yes, owners in urban renewal areas receive preferential terms from SIKB. Information is available from the housing construction hotline 0681 3033-333.
Who approves a ground-source probe in Saarland?
The Landesamt für Umwelt- und Arbeitsschutz is centrally responsible, rather than the districts themselves as in most other federal states. The drilling requires a water-law permit under the SWG.
Do I need to maintain a minimum distance from my neighbour for the outdoor unit?
Saarland has no fixed statutory heat-pump exemption. § 7 Abs. 7 LBO applies: setback areas may be triggered if the structure is higher than 2 metres and has the effect of a building, or is higher than 1 metres and accessible. The building supervisory authority assesses this on a case-by-case basis. TA Lärm applies regardless.
Currency note
Programmes continue to develop; in particular, the KfW-458 terms change on 21 July 2026. Check the current status with SIKB.