Transition period and mitigation
Cabinet passes heating exchange law – FDP emphasizes reservations
04/19/2023 11:31 am
The federal government is introducing the law for climate-friendly heating systems. Accordingly, from 2024, two-thirds of new plants must be operated with renewables. However, there are some exceptions. The coalition partner FDP agrees reluctantly and relies on changes by the Bundestag.
The federal government has agreed on the final details and some easing of the controversial law on the installation of climate-friendly heating systems. With a few exceptions, new heating systems must then be operated with at least 65 percent renewable energy from 2024, according to the draft law passed by the cabinet. This applies both in new buildings and when replacing defective heating systems in old buildings. Owners must prove this. Meanwhile, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner still has reservations about the draft law. In a protocol statement on behalf of the FDP ministers, he calls for a “practicable and affordable” implementation of the principle of openness to technology.
According to the draft, the alternatives are that the house is connected to a district heating network or is equipped with a heat pump, electric heating or a solar thermal system. While the use of hydrogen should also be possible, this only applies to biomass or biomethane in existing buildings.
There should be exceptions in some special and hardship cases: This applies, for example, to damage to gas or oil heating systems if a connection to a heating network is planned but not imminent. Floor heating systems and oven heating systems can also be operated conventionally at times. In these cases there should be a transitional period of at least ten years. The replacement obligation does not apply to owners over 80 years of age if they live in buildings with no more than six residential units. “The 65 percent requirement for new heating systems will therefore apply from January 1, 2024, above all for a planned heating replacement where the heating has not yet broken,” says the draft law.
Lindner hopes for changes by the Bundestag
At the same time, as planned, the government is introducing the Energy Efficiency Act, which contains specifications for the federal, state and industrial governments for the economical use of energy. Both are intended to help achieve the climate goals.
Lindner’s statement states that the Ministry of Finance agrees to the draft law “in the knowledge” that the parliamentary groups in the Bundestag will discuss the draft intensively in the parliamentary process and will also make “other necessary changes”. Concerns with regard to the financing and feasibility of the measures should be taken into account “in order to burden the citizens as little as possible”.
It must be ensured, he continues, that all green gases and their mixtures are permissible as fulfillment options. “Efficiency specifications and the need to renovate must be critically examined against the background of a market-driven achievement of climate neutrality.” He is also critical of the exemption for over 80s. “The limit of 80 years must be well justified under constitutional law.” The current design raises constitutional questions.