Liechtenstein Government Adopts Response to District Heating Network Interpellation

Government Addresses District Heating Concerns

The government of Liechtenstein has formally adopted its response to an interpellation regarding the country's district heating network, operated by Liechtenstein Wärme (LW). The interpellation, submitted by the Democrats pro Liechtenstein (DpL) on May 13, 2025, sought clarification on various aspects of the network's expansion and economic performance.

Interpellation Highlights Economic and Efficiency Questions

The DpL's interpellation specifically requested the government to address a series of questions concerning the accelerated expansion of the district heating network. Key concerns raised included the economic viability and efficiency of the network. While Liechtenstein Wärme reported a network efficiency of 92%, the interpellation pointed out discrepancies in energy delivery. For instance, in 2024, out of 42 million kWh of energy purchased, only 35 million kWh reached customers, indicating a 20% loss. Another report for 2023 cited that out of 38.2 million kWh purchased, only 29.6 million kWh were delivered to end-users, representing a 22.5% loss over a 41.2 km network.

Questions were also posed regarding the economic threshold for district heating. According to LW, a heat density of approximately 1,200 kWh per meter (1.2 MWh/m) is required for a network to be considered economically viable, with over 2,000 kWh/m making it 'predestined' for district heating. However, the current network's heat density was reported at 675 kWh/m in 2023, significantly below the stated economic viability threshold. To achieve economic viability, the 52.1 km network would need to sell more than 62.5 million kWh annually, yet only 35 million kWh were sold. The interpellation also touched upon potential cross-subsidization, referencing EU state aid law (Art. 107 TFEU) which sets limits for basic services.

Significant Investments and Climate Goals

Liechtenstein Wärme, formerly known as Liechtensteinische Gasversorgung (LGV), has invested approximately CHF 80 million in its district heating network since 2008. Recent investments include CHF 16 million in 2023 and CHF 18.6 million in 2024 for network expansion. The expansion of the district heating network is a crucial component of Liechtenstein's broader climate strategy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

The energy sector accounts for around 80% of Liechtenstein's greenhouse gas emissions. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions in this sector by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. District heating in Liechtenstein primarily utilizes waste heat from the waste incineration plant in Buchs, Switzerland, and heat generated from central wood-fired heating plants. The government continues to emphasize the importance of public awareness and investment in climate protection to achieve these goals.