Berlin/Brussels.
Is there a ban on many gas heating systems soon? A new EU regulation could bypass traffic light heating plans from 2029.
- The new heating laws cause discussions. The focus is on the planned ban on pure gas and oil heating
- The topic of heating systems is also being dealt with at European level
- This could result in a ban on (bio)gas heating systems and hybrid systems in the EU – the German Minister for Construction comments on the plans from Brussels
The subject of heating is currently the subject of much discussion. Energy prices have fallen drastically since the beginning of the year – but gas and heating oil will soon be a thing of the past in Germany. Ab 2024 the traffic light coalition is planning a gradual ban on gas and oil heating without a renewable component. New heaters are affected. The existing gas or oil heating can continue to be used. In addition to the heat pump, pellet or gas heating should also be an option under certain conditions.
The next heaters are threatened with a ban: the EU Commission presents plans for a new regulation
The liberals in particular have insisted on the gas heating option in the heating plans. The argument: In biogas or hydrogen operation, gas is just as climate-friendly. But there’s a catch: Some experts are critical of the use of biomethane – despite some exceptions, gas heating could end up being over by 2035. One reason is that the gas network in Germany is not designed for hydrogen. And there is something else that consumers with gas and oil heating should keep in mind.
Namely the EU’s plans to revise the Ecodesign Implementing Regulation. The ordinance defines minimum standards for room and combi heaters – including boilers. Specifically, the plans of the EU Commission see a gradual tightening of the minimum efficiency requirements for various types of heating devices. The required efficiency of condensing boilers is to be set at 115 percent from 2029. The German Association of Liquid Gas e. V. (DVFG) points out: “Physically, fuel-based boilers cannot meet this requirement.”
Minimum standards for boilers are to be tightened: which heating systems would be affected
“In the worst case, one threatens ban the placing on the market of individually installed heating boilers from 2029 – including those for operation with renewable gases,” explains DVFG Managing Director Andreas Stück. Irrespective of the planned exceptions in the new heating law for gas heating systems in hybrid or hydrogen operation, the EU regulation could make it impossible to operate different heating systems According to the DVFG, this includes not only hybrid heating systems in Germany but also heating systems based on biomass or hydrogen.
Affected by the EU plans:
- Heating systems with the use of liquid or gaseous biomass – of hydrogen or derivatives in new buildings and existing buildings
- Hybrid heaters – where the gas device has a separate device approval
- Legally permissible heating combinations – for example using waste heat, solar thermal energy or proportionate use of biomass
Millions of buildings in Germany could be affected by the EU regulation. Stück raises concerns: “Consumers in rural areas in particular – who do not have the option of using a heating network anyway – lose another opportunity with the regulation to achieve the 65 percent target.”
LPG Association warns: 65 percent target not achievable for hundreds of thousands of households
Many owner are dependent on tailor-made heating solutions for their building, says Stück. “Around 830,000 buildings with old oil heating systems in Germany can practically only achieve the 65 percent renewable energy target by switching to liquid gas hybrid heating systems or liquid gas heating systems with biogenic liquid gas.”
Minister of Construction on Germany’s position on EU plans: No bans on gas heating
But how realistic are the plans from Brussels? Could the EU plans overturn the German heating plans? We spoke to the German building minister – Klara Geywitz – about the subject. The SPD politician makes it clear: “The German position will be such that it is compatible with the Building Energy Act.” European legislation will be applied in such a way that it fits German law. “There will be no specifications for energy efficiency with us – which would result in a ban on gas heating systems, even when operated with biogas or hydrogen.”
In addition: So far it is only a draft – nothing has been decided yet. First, the Commission’s draft is to be discussed in a consultation forum at EU level. The body ensures stakeholder participation at EU level. The forum includes representatives from industry, trade, environmental and consumer protection associations from the member states. The body has an advisory function to the EU Commission.
Plans envisage a ban on certain heaters: how things will continue at EU level
The draft then goes to the Commission’s internal vote and then to a regulatory committee. Here the representatives of the member states have the opportunity to comment and must plans majority of the committee to agree to the revision of the Ecodesign Implementing Ordinance. The Commission then submits the draft to the European Parliament and the European Council for scrutiny – changes or even the rejection of the plans are also possible here.
For consumers, this means that the deliberations in the first consultation forum are not the last resort. The member states as well as the European Council and the EU Parliament can later change or even overturn the plans. The situation is similar with regard to the national ones heating plans of the federal government. The Bundestag will discuss the draft law and can make changes or overturn the legislative initiative. Therefore, the heating plans in Germany are not yet set in stone.
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