Home owners in Germany support change to climate-friendly heating systems, worry about costs

Most homeowners in Germany support climate-friendly modernisation of heating systems, according a survey by non-profit consultancy co2online. Nearly 80 percent said it is right to replace fossil fuel based systems with renewable-powered systems. The government plans to ensure that new heating systems are powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy through mandatory regulations. While most respondents agreed with the concept, nearly three quarters said a lack of foresight and financial precarity regarding the planned heating transition are a cause for concern, which policymakers should address with better communication, financial support and more reliable procedures. “Homeowners share the goal of a heating transition,” co2online head Tanja Loitz said. “However, the current debate about legal details has caused massive uncertainty to the point where people are genuinely afraid that they cannot afford the challenges ahead,” she added. Garnering acceptance would be one of the most important prerequisites for the heating transition’s success, Loitz said. Ensuring broad access to energy counselling services would therefore be one way to make the transition work.

Plans by the economy and climate action ministry for a de-facto ban of new oil and gas heating systems from 2024 have generated great uncertainty among homeowners in the past weeks and led to a row in the coalition government. The parties eventually reached an agreement over rules for the transition. From next year, every newly installed heating system must be powered by at least 65 percent renewable energy "if possible".