Berlin is pitching in: millions for the dilapidated street lighting!

Berlin is pitching in: millions for the dilapidated street lighting!

Berlin faces a significant challenge when it comes to its street lighting. The Senate Department for Transport and the Environment has identified an immense investment backlog that must be urgently addressed. The condition of the street lights is alarming: around 37,000 of a total of 190,000 light poles are older than 50 years and need to be replaced in the medium term. In 2024, 1,400 electric poles were replaced, and so far this year there have been 600. The city is responsible for around 225,000 street lights, the condition of which also signals a need for action. Last year the costs for public lighting amounted to around 70 million euros.

For 2026, Berlin plans to invest another 79 million euros in public lighting, including 20 million euros from the special infrastructure fund. However, the double budget for 2026/2027 still has to be approved by the House of Representatives. The replacement of the old-fashioned gas lamps is progressing: while there were originally around 44,000 gas lanterns, around 17,000 remain. 1,300 gas lamps are to be converted by the end of 2023, with numerous lamps recently being replaced in Alt-Marienfelde and Lichtenrade.

Sustainable urban development

The pursuit of sustainable urban development is crucial in the current planning phase. This is supported by the National Sustainability Strategy, which aims to support municipalities in the implementation of sustainable concepts. According to current estimates, 60% of the global population is expected to live in cities by 2030, increasing pressure on urban infrastructure and environmental resources. Challenges such as rising rental prices and unequal distribution of resources require innovative approaches to urban planning.

A central aspect is improving the quality of life in urban areas, which is to be achieved through sustainable mobility and energy-efficient buildings. This also includes reducing CO2 emissions and using renewable energies. Citizen participation is of great importance here to ensure that the measures meet the needs of the population.

Public perception and future outlook

While the replacement of gas lanterns remains controversial in some cases for reasons of monument protection, the Gaslicht-Kultur association is critical of the abolition of these traditional lamps. However, Berlin wants to set an example for sustainable urban development with a concrete plan that includes the renewal of street lighting. The progress in switching to LED lighting is already showing positive changes. In 2024, 5,800 electric lamps were converted to LED, and so far in 2025 there have been 6,400. This not only helps reduce operating costs but also improves energy efficiency.

The Berlin initiative is a step in the right direction, not only to make the streets safer, but also to make a sustainable contribution to the urban way of life. The combination of technological innovations and a clear focus on sustainable planning will help Berlin to better meet the challenges of the future.