Bundestag passes law for climate-neutral expansion of heat supply - Germany’s New Geothermal Act Cuts Red Tape for Clean Heating Solutions
The German Parliament has passed the Geothermal Acceleration Act to speed up the development of geothermal plants. The new law also reforms heat supply rules, aiming to cut red tape and accelerate climate-friendly heating solutions. Industry groups have responded with a mix of support and concerns over key details.
The legislation classifies geothermal projects as ‘undertakings of overriding public interest’—a status that extends to heat networks. This designation helps prioritize their approval while simplifying planning and permitting. Bureaucratic delays are reduced further by setting a two-year deadline for hydrogen storage permits.
The Geothermal Acceleration Act is now in force, setting tighter deadlines and easing approvals for geothermal and heat projects. Battery storage systems will also benefit from faster planning processes. While industry backs the reforms, calls remain for stronger safeguards on water resources.
