Large-scale heat pumps are a key technology in the energy and heating transition. Consequently, there is a significant need for information on licensing, noise control, environmental impact and operational safety. More than 60 experts from energy supply companies, municipal utilities, industrial firms, engineering and planning companies, public authorities, scientific institutions, and regulatory and environmental agencies therefore took part in our online seminar on 14th October 2026, entitled ‘Large-scale heat pump systems – ensuring legal compliance in planning, approval and operation’.
Dirk Hinkelmann from our Gelsenkirchen branch led the seminar. Together with experts from the Müller-BBM Group and Philipp Gerlach from RheinEnergie AG, they discussed the key requirements for the successful implementation of large-scale heat pump projects. The focus was on planning and licensing legislation, water and nature conservation, plant safety and legislation on major incidents, as well as the acoustic assessment of large-scale heat pump systems. The programme was complemented by a case study from an ongoing large-scale heat pump project.
The mix of participants highlighted the high relevance of the topic: those represented included energy companies, municipal utilities and district heating providers, industrial firms, engineering and planning companies, architectural practices, planning permission managers, environmental and acoustics consultancies, as well as numerous authorities and public bodies at local, regional and state level. Research institutions and universities also used the event as an opportunity for professional exchange.
There was particularly intense discussion regarding the requirements for licensing procedures, potential conflicts with immission control and nature conservation concerns, and the acoustic challenges posed by large heat pump systems. It is precisely at these points of intersection that the importance of an early, interdisciplinary assessment becomes apparent, in order to minimise planning risks and ensure the successful implementation of projects.
With its many years of experience in the fields of licensing management, environmental planning, noise control, plant safety and environmental impact assessment, the Müller-BBM Group supports large-scale heat pump projects from the initial concept phase right through to commissioning. The high level of interest in the seminar confirms the need for interdisciplinary consultancy and demonstrates that sound technical assessments are a key prerequisite for the successful implementation of this future-oriented technology. As independent experts and consultants, we support project developers, energy suppliers, municipal utilities, industrial companies and public authorities in implementing large-scale heat pump projects in a legally compliant, permit-ready and sustainable manner.