Germany eyes heat pumps as Iran war drives energy costs up
The war in the Middle East is threatening fossil fuel supplies and causing energy prices to rise in Germany. Could that drive a surge in
The war in the Middle East is threatening fossil fuel supplies and causing energy prices to rise in Germany. Could that drive a surge in demand for heat pumps? Germany's coalition government of Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats (SPD) is seeking to overturn the central provision of the heating law introduced by the previous administration. The original law stipulated that all heating systems installed in the coming years must run on at least 65% renewable energy. Under the new proposals, however, oil and gas heating systems with significantly lower shares of climate-friendly gases would still be allowed in existing buildings for a longer period. The cabinet approved the plan based on a draft bill submitted by Building Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). Under the planned legislation, new heating systems would only be required to use at least 10% renewable energy. Why heat pumps are all the rage To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Adviser: 'Impractical piece of legislation' The new legislation, called the "Building Modernization Act," is intended to replace the current "Heating Act." The government hopes to push it through parliament before the summer recess in mid-July. Many observers believe the timetable is far too ambitious, particularly as the draft law has triggered not only support but also vociferous criticism.
One of the most vocal critics is the Regulatory Control Council (NKR), an independent advisory body to the German government. Its chairman, Lutz Goebel, described the draft bill in comments to the newspaper Bild as "one of the weakest and most impractical pieces of legislation presented to the Regulatory Control Council in recent years." He said parts of the text were "barely comprehensible" and warned that problems with implementing the law were likely. According to Goebel, "laws like this contribute to growing frustration among citizens toward the state and politicians." New heating law to reduce rigid rules Others have defended the proposal. Carsten Rolle, who is responsible for energy, mobility and environmental issues at the Federation of German Industries (BDI), said the "Building Modernization Act is better than its reputation," according to a press statement. Peter Adrian, president of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), also called the draft law "overall a step in the right direction." He said it would reduce rigid requirements and give companies "more flexibility on the path toward climate neutrality in the building sector." Frederik Lippert of heating systems manufacturer Vaillant said that "some of the changes could help calm the debate." This includes abolishing the 65% rule, which many in the market viewed as a form of coercion. Is the new law a climate policy failure?
The BriefWire