At a Glance: Project „Anika“
- Actor: Stadtwerke Jena
- Topic: Municipal heat planning / Energy transition
- Timeline: Presentation of transformation planning in Q2 2026
- Goal: Definition of future heating technologies for the city area
Jena (Feb 14, 2026) – How will we heat our homes in ten or twenty years? This question is currently on the minds of many homeowners and tenants in Jena. An answer is expected in the first half of the year: Stadtwerke Jena has announced that it will present its comprehensive transformation plan for the Saalestadt in the second quarter of 2026.
Setting the Course for the Energy Future
Under the project name „Anika,“ experts from the local energy provider are currently working on a strategy to transition Jena’s heat supply to climate neutrality. According to current information, the upcoming quarter (April to June) will specify which technologies will be utilized to drive the energy and heat transition in the city forward.
The so-called transformation plan is the centerpiece of municipal heat planning. It must provide answers regarding which districts will see an expansion of the district heating network and where decentralized solutions, such as heat pumps or other renewable energies, will be the preferred option. For property owners, this plan is essential for making informed investment decisions regarding new heating systems.
Background: Jena in Transition
Like many other municipalities, Jena faces the challenge of decoupling heat supply from fossil fuels. While large residential areas such as Lobeda or Winzerla are already well-connected to the district heating network, solutions must now be defined for existing buildings in the Innenstadt, the Damenviertel, or more rural Ortsteile.
The transformation plan is expected to show how existing infrastructure can be utilized and expanded. Technical aspects are not the only consideration; the affordability of energy for end-consumers is also a key factor. In the past, Stadtwerke had already emphasized that the heat transition is a community task that can only succeed with clear planning security.
Outlook
With the presentation announced for the second quarter, Jena is likely to take a major step toward planning security. Once the details of „Anika“ and the specific technology corridors are published, it will be clearer what construction measures can be expected in the city area in the coming years.
We will stay on top of this topic for you and report as soon as the concrete plans are available.