Heerdt in transition: 98% energy savings through new LED lights!

Heerdt in transition: 98% energy savings through new LED lights!

The conversion of historical gas lanterns in Düsseldorf is progressing. In February 2023, the city of Düsseldorf began switching to modern, energy-efficient lights. Around 180 of the 250 planned gas lanterns in the districts of Heerdt, Lörick and adjacent streets in Oberkassel have already been converted to electricity-operated LED lamps. The Grünau settlement, whose work has already been completed, is particularly successful. The conversion also includes the streets Alt Heerdt, Pestalozzistraße, Heerdter Sandberg and Nibelungenstraße. Stadtwerke Düsseldorf is carrying out these measures on behalf of the city, and the plans are part of a comprehensive concept to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Important feedback was received on May 22, 2025, when city representatives explained the progress. The new LED lights are characterized by a significant reduction in energy consumption: the consumption per light point drops from 4,565 kWh to just 75 kWh annually. This corresponds to energy savings of up to 98 percent. The gas lights currently have a connected load of 1,100 watts, while the new models only require 18 watts. With an investment volume of around 2.5 million euros, excluding residents' contributions, a significant contribution is made to the city's climate neutrality.

Retrofitting and monument protection

The gas lantern conversion is not without controversy. Düsseldorf has already converted 200 gas lanterns to LED technology, but there are discussions about monument protection. Because these lights have been under protection since September 2020. The external shape should be retained during the conversion, which required approval from the Rhineland Regional Association as it had previously lodged an objection. In the future, almost all of the approximately 13,600 gas lanterns in the city will be affected by the conversion by 2035, meaning that aspects of monument protection law must also be taken into account.

Monument protection is crucial for the urban development image and can also contribute to promoting climate goals. As stated on the monument preservation website, monuments are not only historical buildings, but can also contribute to energy savings and resource conservation. The conversion not only reduces energy consumption, it also promotes the service life and reusability of existing infrastructure, such as gas lanterns.

Feedback from the population

Nevertheless, there is resistance among parts of the citizenry. Some residents miss the special light of the gas lamps and the city's associated historical identity. Gas lamps are an integral part of the cityscape, especially in the historic districts. There are many opinions in the debate about modernization versus preservation of tradition, and the city administration has responded by providing residents with comprehensive information and educating them about the changes before construction begins.

The progress of these conversion projects will also be monitored by the municipal utilities, and the positive feedback will help make future steps in planning and implementation even more balanced.

By switching to modern LED technology, Düsseldorf not only plans to strengthen climate protection, but also to make the city sustainable for future challenges.