Germany's Bundestag Approves Revised Heating Law, Allowing New Gas and Oil Boilers

Germany's Bundestag has approved a significant revision to its "Heating Law," easing regulations on new heating systems. The updated legislation, known as the Building Modernization Act, permits the installation of new gas and oil heaters, a departure from the previous government's stricter mandate. This new rule replaces the prior requirement that all newly installed heating systems must operate using at least 65% renewable energy.

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Heating constraints should be replaced by technological openness.

The revised law introduces a "bio-staircase" approach for new fossil-fuel heating systems. These heaters will need to incorporate an increasing percentage of CO2-neutral fuels like biomethane over time. Starting in January 2029, new systems must use at least 10% climate-friendly fuels, rising to 15% in 2030, 30% by 2035, and 60% by 2040. Existing heating systems will also face a "green gas quota" starting in 2028, though details remain unclear.

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This expensive heating law is the worst economic policy of all time.

Despite the government's emphasis on technological openness and consumer choice, the law faced strong opposition. Critics from parties like The Left warned of a "cost trap," citing potential increases in CO2 taxes and gas connection fees. The Green Party accused the government of ignoring climate warnings, such as those related to the Iran war's impact on fossil fuel prices, and accepting setbacks in climate protection. Conversely, coalition politicians lauded the law for offering greater choice and trusting citizens to make their own decisions, noting that the previous "heat pump mandate" was unpopular. The legislation also includes measures to protect tenants from excessive costs, requiring landlords to share half of network fees and CO2 costs from 2028, though subsidies for replacing old heating systems will be reduced.

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The heating law of the traffic light government was not accepted by the citizens at all.