Berlin.
Gas heating could come to an end as early as 2035 – ten years earlier. The reason for this is a hidden clause in the draft law.
At the beginning of the year, many could consumer Breathe a sigh of relief in Germany: Gas and heating oil prices have fallen massively after the peak of the energy crisis in 2022. The gas price has been at pre-war levels since December and leveled off as well. As of April 7, a liter of heating oil costs no more than one euro on average. But something clouds the mood: the plans of the traffic light coalition for a ban on gas and oil heating from 2024 – keyword: heating law.
Ampel plans gradual ban on oil and gas heating: What should apply until 2035
From 2024, new gas or oil heating systems should at least 65 percent powered by renewable energy. Monotonous heating systems would then no longer be possible. Heating oil and gas customers would have to rely entirely on regenerative technology such as heat pumps or hybrid heating for new systems. Both options involve high investment costs. A new heat pump alone can cost more than 15,000 euros – not counting the installation or possible renovations.
| Heating | Costs in EUR |
|
oil heating |
ab ca. 8.000 |
|
gas heating |
ab ca. 7.000 |
|
heat pump |
ab ca. 15.000 |
|
Wood or pellet heating |
ab ca. 10.000 |
|
district heating |
ab ca. 5.000 |
|
fuel cells |
ab ca. 30.000 |
|
solar thermal |
ab ca. 10.000 |
For existing gas and oil heating systems, there is currently an obligation to replace them after 30 years of operation. The goal of the traffic light: by 2045 at the latest, Germany should be largely free of heating oil and gas heating. But for owners with a gas heater, the end could come ten years earlier. The reason is the gradual obligation to increase the renewable share to 65 percent by 2035. Consumers with a classic gas heater can upgrade their heating for this – but they cannot do that Gasnetz sanitize.
Hidden clause in traffic light plans: What consumers have no influence on
Specifically, the draft for a heating law provides for the following:
- By 2030, at least 50 percent of gas heating should be operated with green gases.
Green gases do not release any CO₂ when burned and are considered to be almost climate-neutral. The best-known representative is hydrogen. This also includes synthetic methane based on biogas. Both gases have one thing in common: So far, they are only available in limited quantities in Germany. Heating based on green gases could therefore become expensive for many consumers. Especially since the energy prices for fossil fuels such as natural gas or heating oil have fallen drastically since the price and energy crisis.
- By 2035, at least 65 percent of gas heating should be operated with green gases (hydrogen).
The 50 percent mark could theoretically be met. Green biogas can Gasnetz be fed. The state would have to expand the capacities for this – in theory, however, it would be technically conceivable. The situation is quite different with regard to hydrogen. By 2035, the gas networks in Germany would have to be converted to the supply of hydrogen. In addition, the gas heating in your own house must be “H2-ready”. Report t-online According to him, there is still no convertible gas heating system that runs 100 percent with hydrogen.
Make gas heating “H2-ready”: Enormous costs – why you might pay twice
So-called “gas condensing boilers” are currently possible – these can process gas mixtures with a hydrogen content of up to 30 percent. The exact amount depends on the heater model. Classic gas heating systems cannot simply be converted. The costs for this range between around 5000 to 8000 euros – depending on the model and size. This price range includes a state subsidy for a new heating system in 2023 and a tax break. The total is 20 percent grant.
But the conversion is only a limited permanent solution – keyword gas network. Because according to information from “Bild” the owners should be liable for compliance with government regulations. This means that every single consumer should ensure that their heating is climate-neutral by 2035. However, the state is responsible for the gas networks. That means: The owner must comply with the requirements – regardless of whether the state is able to finish the gas networks or not. If in doubt, the gas heating would have to be completely removed and replaced with a heat pump or something similar.
Facebook users angry about plans for gas and oil heating – “Stop this madness!”
The clause in the planned heating law has triggered heated debates on social networks. “Stop this madness!” Texts a Facebook user. Another comment reads: “Couldn’t the end of the governing politicians come earlier?” The next question: Should consumers with an old gas or oil heating system react quickly and convert to a modern system? “No,” is the short answer from Expertin Iris Ege from the Energy Agency Biberach (Baden-Württemberg) in an interview “Schwaebische”.
According to Ege, owners should not break anything over their knees and no longer invest in a new gas or oil heating system. In the interview, she recommends purely regenerative systems or hybrid heating systems. In this way, consumers avoid the requirements for gas or oil heating. In addition to a heat pump, a pellet heating system or connection to a local or district heating network is an option. There are various state subsidies for the various alternatives to gas or oil heating – consumer protection groups or energy consultants also provide advice here.
| Heating | basic funding | Heating exchange bonus | Heat pump bonus | promotion total |
|
heat pump |
25 |
10 |
5 |
40 percent |
|
pellet heating |
10 |
10 |
– |
20 percent |
The hidden clause could also affect consumers with existing gas heating
The conclusion to the premature end for gas heating in Germany: From 2035, politicians could put a stop to many owners with gas heating. The sticking point are the gas networks – these would first have to be converted to gas mixtures with a hydrogen content. According to the draft law, however, consumers would have to be liable and, in the worst case, would even have to pay twice. Once for the conversion of their gas heating and the second attempt for a regenerative heating – if the state does not comply with the conversion of the gas networks.
The problem also affects consumers with an existing gas heating system. Because after 30 years of operation, most old gas heaters have a layer in the duct – keyword replacement obligation. Only a few owners are exempt from the replacement obligation and can continue to use their system. In addition, for a new heat pump, many buildings would have to be renovated or upgraded accordingly. However, the heating law is not set in stone yet – it is a cabinet draft and can still be overturned or changed in the Bundestag.
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