The Bundestag has approved the controversial heating law. The necessary majority was secured last Friday for the amendment to the Building Energy Act.
The core element of the previous “Heating Law”-the 65% rule-will now be eliminated. This former regulation mandated that every newly installed heating system must operate using 65 percent renewable energy. Moving forward, new gas and oil boilers can be installed, provided they progressively utilize an increasing amount of CO2-neutral fuels, such as biomethane. Furthermore, the provision that prohibits the operation of heating boilers using fossil fuels after 2045 is set to be repealed. Environmental organizations, along with the Left and Green parties, had expressed concerns that this development represented a step backward in climate protection efforts.
However, new requirements will be introduced for existing heating systems. From 2028, a “green gas quota” will be implemented, which suppliers must meet. Specific regulations regarding this quota are still pending. The federal government is scheduled to present a new law by December 1, 2026, which will introduce a “green gas/green heating oil quota.” This law will oblige those marketing gas, oil, and liquid gas to switch completely to climate-neutral fuels for use in heating buildings starting in 2045.
The opposition criticized the governing coalition, arguing that it was ignoring all warnings that fossil gas heating systems would not be phased out. They also claimed there would be no tenant protection for self-employed individuals and small businesses. According to the opposition, the law constitutes an expensive package for renters, exacerbates the climate crisis, and creates uncertainty for trade and craft businesses.
