Heerdt in change: 98% energy saving through new LED lights!

Heerdt in change: 98% energy saving through new LED lights!

Heerdt, Deutschland - The conversion of historical gas lanterns in Düsseldorf is progressing. In February 2023, the city of Düsseldorf started the switch to modern, energy -efficient lights. Already around 180 of the approximately 250 gas lanterns planned in the districts of Heerdt, Lörick and adjacent roads from Oberkassel were converted to power-powered LED lamps. The Grünau settlement is particularly successful, the work of which has already been completed. The conversion also includes the streets Alt Heerdt, Pestalozzistraße, Heerdter Sandberg and Nibelungenstraße. Stadtwerke Düsseldorf carry out these measures on behalf of the city, and the plans are part of a comprehensive concept to improve energy efficiency and to reduce emissions.

Important feedback was available 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 only 75 kWh annually. This corresponds to an energy saving of up to 98 percent. The gas lights currently have a connecting output of 1,100 watts, while the new models only need 18 watts. With an investment volume of around 2.5 million euros, without residents' contributions, a significant contribution to the city's climate neutrality is made.

conversion and monument protection

The conversion of the gas lanterns is not without controversy. Düsseldorf has already switched 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 form should be preserved in the conversion, which made it necessary to approved the Rhineland landscape association, since it had previously objected. In the future, almost all of the approximately 13,600 gas lanterns in the city will be affected by the conversion until 2035, so that aspects of monument protection law must also be taken into account.

The monument protection is crucial for the urban planning image and can also contribute to promoting climate goals. As is determined on the website of the monument preservation, monuments are not only historical buildings, but can also be a contribution to energy saving and resource conservation. The conversion not only reduces energy consumption, but also the useful life and the subsequent use of existing infrastructures, such as the gas lanterns, is promoted.

feedback from the population

Nevertheless, there is resistance in parts of the citizens. Some residents miss the special light of the gas lanterns and the associated historical identity of the city. The gas lanterns are an integral part of the city view, especially in the historical quarters. There are many opinions in the debate about modernization versus tradition, and the city administration has reacted to it by extensively informing the residents before building starts and clarifying the changes.

The progress of these conversion projects is also pursued by the municipal utilities, and the positive feedback will help to make upcoming 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.