Gas Heating: Surprising Alternative for Homeowners – What the Experts Say

Since the peak of the energy and price crisis in 2022, the topic of heating has been a major concern for politicians and consumers. No wonder – within a few weeks energy prices had skyrocketed. Primarily the Gas- and heating oil prices repeatedly broke new records in 2022 – which makes the development since the beginning of the year all the more pleasing. However, the issue of heating is not over. The focus is currently on the plans of the traffic light coalition for a gradual ban on gas and oil heating in Germany from 2024.

Continue to use gas heating thanks to biomethane from 2024? This is how heating with biogas works

The idea for a new heating law came from Economics Minister Robert Habeck and was supported by the SPD and FDP. After criticism of traffic light plans associations and the opposition, Habeck spoke to our editorial team about the ban on gas and oil heating and talked about possible exceptions. Is the heat pump really the only alternative? The FDP in particular had campaigned in the coalition committee for “technology openness” – terms such as hydrogen or biomethane are now being used.

Predominantly Biomethan is seen as a beacon of hope in the heat transition. “WELT” recently published the following article: “The biomethane solution could suddenly save millions of gas heaters from going out”. In the article, the authors rely on an analysis by the Biogas Association (FvB). But what actually is biomethane? The short answer: It’s a gas. This is produced in biogas plants – here plant or animal material is broken down by bacteria. Depending on the decomposition material, a certain amount of biomethane is produced.

Biogas for power and heat generation: How consumers benefit from gas heating

The resulting biomethane can in the biogas plant can be used to generate electricity and heat – companies can supply themselves with energy in this way, for example. The second option is the upgrading of biomethane. This is where things get interesting for consumers with a gas heater. Because the processed biomethane has the same composition as natural gas and can be fed into the gas grid. Across from “FOCUS Online” the Federal Network Agency responsible for this reports:

The processed biogas can “be used in existing heating systems and other gas-consuming devices without adjustment”. Could biomethane be the alternative to the heat pump? Especially for consumer with an existing gas heating it would be a tempting option – especially since an existing heating does not have to be converted. The biogas can be fed into the gas network. But there are several sticking points. On the one hand, biogas plants would have to be massively expanded.

Continue to use gas heating: biomethane is under criticism – the Federal Environment Agency warns against this

On the other hand, the use of biomethane is not without controversy. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) warns of some risks in an article from 2019 and explains the disadvantages. Biogas plants are a source of odors and pollutants as well as noise and are also complex industrial plants with a significant risk potential. Significant amounts of extremely flammable and climate-damaging gases are also produced in biogas plants. In addition, the cultivation of energy crops is a topic again and again.

Plants such as maize are currently being cultivated specifically for biogas operation. Environmentalists warn of soil erosion, water and air pollution and the reduction in biodiversity. This is accompanied by the Production of biomethane consumes a lot of water and energy – the factor of environmental and climate protection is therefore an important topic. There are also doubts about the calculations made by the experts from the Biogas Association. Their conclusion: around seven million households could be heated with biomethane.

Ampel is planning new specifications for gas and oil heating from 2024: the problem with biogas

The number corresponds to about half of all gas heaters in Germany. The UBA has looked at the calculations for “FOCUS Online” and criticizes two points: On the one hand, the biogas association expects synthetic methane – but this is simply not biomethane. On the other hand, the origin of the reference values ​​for the calculation is not entirely comprehensible. All the more questionable: could biomethane actually save millions of gas heaters? With regard to the stumbling blocks, this is rather questionable in the near future.

Especially since the schedule for the gradual ban on gas and oil heating in Germany requires a renewable share of 65 percent from 2024 for new Gas- or oil heaters. For comparison: Biogas currently makes up only a small proportion compared to conventional energy sources. The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) put the percentage of biogas in electricity generation in 2022 at almost six percent. Coal (30 percent) and electricity from wind power (21.5 percent) are significantly higher.

Buying a new gas heater and hoping for biomethane? What energy experts are now advising

energy experts therefore advise against the installation of new gas and oil heating systems. Ramona Ballod – Energy Advisor Consumer Center Thuringia – points out: “By deciding on a new heating system, you commit yourself to the next 20 years.” Her recommendation therefore: “Take your time for your decision – and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of all common heating systems.” Iris Ege from the Biberach Energy Agency (Baden-Wuerttemberg) expresses himself in an interview with “Swabian” similar.

Many consumer could not fully exploit the lifetime of a new heating system with a view to the heating plans of the politicians. Ege: “I therefore recommend taking your time to think about what you are doing.” In the first step, the expert suggests a consultation. This is where energy consultants or an expertConversation at a consumer center in question. Possible alternatives to gas or oil heating are, in addition to the heat pump, a pellet heating system or a connection to a local or district heating network.

Hydrogen and biogas in the heat transition: Germany is not that far yet

Experts also advise against converting to a modern “H2-ready” gas heater for the use of hydrogen mixtures. Here, too, the lack of production capacity is a problem. In addition: The gas networks in Germany are not yet equipped for gas mixtures with a high proportion of hydrogen. Therefore, even for modern gas heaters, the operating ban could come ten years earlier than agreed by the traffic light coalition.

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