Overview

• The Heizungsgesetz, enacted in 2024, mandates that new heating systems in certain buildings use at least 65% renewable energy, with phased implementation for older buildings starting in 2026.
• The CDU and CSU have pledged to repeal or revise the law if they win the 2025 election, citing concerns over rigid mandates and lack of technology neutrality.
• Critics, including the SPD, Greens, and Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich, warn that repealing the law could create uncertainty, hinder climate goals, and make heating unaffordable for many households.
• Supporters of the law highlight its financial incentives, including subsidies covering up to 70% of costs for renewable heating systems, which have already been widely utilized.
• Proposals for reform include simplifying the law, focusing on CO₂ emissions over prescriptive technical solutions, and ensuring long-term planning security for municipalities and homeowners.