Tübingen’s ‘Green’ Heating Dream Turns Sour: Residents Face Unexpected Costs and Contractual Limits
Tübingen, Germany – November 2, 2025 – A pioneering sustainable heating project in Tübingen’s new “Oberer Kreuzäcker” development is facing a storm of criticism from residents who claim the reality of ‘cold local heating’ is far from the environmentally and economically friendly promise. What was touted as a model for the future is now sparking concerns about affordability and consumer rights, raising questions about the true cost of the energy transition. This is a developing story, and Archyde is following it closely.
The Oberer Kreuzäcker development in Tübingen, where residents are grappling with unexpected heating costs.
The Promise of Sustainable Heating: A System Under Strain
The system, designed to provide heating and hot water without relying on fossil fuels, utilizes a network of underground pipes delivering cold water (4-10°C) to homes. Brine-water heat pumps then elevate the temperature for use, ideally powered by renewable electricity. It even offers cooling capabilities during warmer months. However, for residents like Jens Poetsch, the initial appeal has given way to frustration. “I actually always had the hope that at some point we would also be able to be happy economically,” Poetsch told SWR, the regional broadcaster. “That you have a concept that is designed for the future and that you don’t have to pay extra compared to other heating systems.”
Soaring Costs: A 60% Increase Before the First Bill
The financial reality is proving significantly different. Basic prices for the heating system jumped by approximately 60% before the first households even received heat in late 2023. Poetsch’s basic price has risen from a projected €1,317 per year in 2021 to a current €2,133 – an increase of over €800 annually. This translates to annual fixed costs exceeding €2,000 for many families, in addition to electricity consumption for the heat pump and a pre-existing construction cost subsidy of nearly €12,000. According to Poetsch’s calculations, the basic price accounts for a staggering 82% of annual costs, rendering energy conservation efforts largely ineffective financially.
Locked In and Left Out: Contractual Restrictions and Solar Power Limitations
Adding to the discontent, homeowners are bound by ten-year contracts with the municipal utilities, preventing them from switching providers or utilizing self-generated solar power for heating. Christian S., another resident, expressed his frustration: “We are not allowed to use the electricity from our solar system for the heat pump, which would actually be completely obvious. Instead, we have to get the electricity to operate the heat pump from the municipal utilities.” This restriction is particularly galling given that all new constructions in Baden-Württemberg are mandated to include solar panel installations.
Municipal Utilities Respond: Escalating Costs and Contractual Obligations
Stadtwerke Tübingen (swt), the municipal utilities company, acknowledges the price increases but attributes them to unavoidable economic factors. They maintain that the initial figures provided in 2021 were non-binding estimates. According to swt, the Russian war in Ukraine has driven up both construction costs (by around 35%) and electricity procurement costs (by 82%) since those initial projections were made. They also state that any future decreases in market prices will be reflected in lower rates, citing a reduction in the 2024 labor price due to cheaper electricity purchases.
Fighting Back: Residents Seek Intervention from Antitrust Authorities
Around 30 homeowners have united to challenge the pricing structure, seeking support from the Baden-Württemberg energy competition authority. Poetsch reported filing a complaint in September 2024, but claims no action has been taken to date. Residents also feel abandoned by the city administration, alleging a lack of mediation and a perceived alignment between the municipal utilities and local government.
A typical brine-water heat pump system used in cold local heating networks.
The Bigger Picture: The Heat Transition and the Challenge of Affordability
This situation in Tübingen highlights a critical challenge facing the global energy transition: balancing ambitious climate goals with economic realities. While cold local heating represents a technically sound approach to sustainable heating, its success hinges on affordability and transparency. The experience in Tübingen serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that public buy-in is essential for the widespread adoption of green technologies. The city itself appears to be reassessing the model, with reports indicating that a similar system is not planned for a new development in Tübingen-Pfrondorf due to concerns about cost and efficiency.
The debate in Tübingen isn’t just about heating bills; it’s about the future of sustainable living. As more communities embrace renewable energy solutions, ensuring fairness, transparency, and genuine affordability will be paramount. Sustainability, as Jens Poetsch aptly puts it, “has to be fun, otherwise the heat transition won’t work.”
Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on this developing story and in-depth coverage of the energy transition.
Broadcast on Friday, October 31, 2025, 4:30 p.m., SWR4 BW Studio Tübingen
Explore more articles on Sustainable Energy at Archyde
