Overview

• Economic Minister Katherina Reiche has announced plans to amend the building energy law before the end of the year.
• One key proposal would lift the ban on operating gas boilers over 30 years old, affecting about 90,000 units not exempt under current rules.
• Building Minister Verena Hubertz advises against installing new gas heating systems, warning that rising CO₂ prices will make them increasingly expensive.
• The heating industry and chimney sweeps have urged clearer, more stable regulations and recommended a point-based system to phase in higher shares of renewables.
• Critics argue that removing core provisions could derail Germany’s goal of climate neutrality by 2045 by undermining incentives to adopt renewable energy.