Construction of 150 MW river water heat pump begins in Cologne (heise.de)

• Groundbreaking for 150 MW river water heat pump in Cologne on 23 July 2026
• Will supply district heating to up to 50,000 households from 2028
• Cost: €280 million, with €100 million subsidies from federal and EU
• Operates only during low electricity prices; backup from gas turbines
• Environmental groups call for protection of Rhine ecosystem

"Construction has started on a 150 MW river water heat pump in Cologne, Germany, intended to supply district heating to up to 50,000 households. The plant, costing €280 million (€100 million subsidized by federal and EU funds), is to be operational by 2028. Environmental groups warn of impacts on the Rhine ecosystem. The heat pump will only operate when electricity prices are low; gas turbines will serve as backup during periods of low renewable generation."