Nature Conservation Association Criticizes Planned Heating Law Reform - Germany weakens heating rules, sparking backlash from climate advocates

Germany's governing coalition has relaxed rules for homeowners replacing heating systems. The requirement for at least 65% renewable energy in new installations has been scrapped. Environmental groups have strongly criticised the decision as a step back for climate change protection.

The political debate over the 65% renewable energy rule in Germany's Building Energy Act (GEG) heated up in recent months. The Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD pushed to abolish the 2023 mandate, which required new heating systems to run on at least 65% renewables by mid-2028. Instead, they agreed on a gradual 'Bio-Treppe' quota, blending biogas into gas heating and green heating oil at 10% from 2029.

Environmental groups, including Nabu, slammed the reform as a climate change setback. Steffi Ober, from Nabu's federal association, dismissed green gas and oil quotas as ineffective. She argued that small amounts of non-fossil fuels in heating systems do little to cut fossil emissions. Ober also warned that the building sector has repeatedly missed its climate change targets.

As a compromise, the government introduced a green gas quota. This will force oil and gas heating systems to use rising shares of biomethane and synthetic fuels. However, Nabu and experts from the Wuppertal Institute and IW opposed the move, citing insufficient biogas supply. Ober instead recommended heat pumps as the most cost-effective and climate-friendly solution for consumers.

The reform replaces a strict renewable energy mandate with a phased-in quota for biogas and green heating oil. Critics argue the new rules will slow progress on climate change goals. Homeowners now face different options, with heat pumps still promoted as the best long-term choice for reducing their costco gas bills and contributing to climate change mitigation.