Saying goodbye to gas boilers will cost the Germans 9 billion euros a year in the short term. But in perspective, given the lower consumption and possible increase in gas costs, it should save 11 billion by making the energy transition to renewable energy easier for citizens’ pockets. That’s the conclusion from a study conducted by the Ministry of Economy led by Green Robert Habeck. However, it’s a prediction that doesn’t convince everyone in Germany and has already created a new battlefront among liberal democrats (closer to the positions of the fossil industry) and ecologists within the government majority.
It all stems from the law, which stipulates that by 2024, at least 65% of all new heating systems installed in the country must operate with the use of renewable resources, effectively excluding boilers running on pure fossil fuels such as gas or gas. diesel. As reported by Handesblatt, solar thermal or hybrid systems, as well as central heating, pellet systems and at least 50% hydrogen or biomethane fueled boilers can be used with heat pumps. For heat pumps, the federal government provided a subsidy of up to 40% of the cost, with Habeck promising to introduce new tax breaks for energy-saving measures in the event of condominium renovations. “The government wants to socially support the thermal transition,” said the Minister of Economy, “subsidies will be modified more so that low-income families can benefit more from them”. Again, according to Habeck, thanks to the fall in renewable energy prices, the estimated total cost for the transition from 2029 could fall by up to five billion euros per year, at which point the savings will be more than proportional. for households that will be about six billion a year.
More than 40 million heating systems scattered across Germany are affected by the maxi plan. Given the costs borne by families, the Greens want public funds to be used to support systems change. However, the Liberal Democrats of the FDP, who have made budgetary rigidity a banner, are pressing the brakes. “The possibilities for state support are limited,” said FDP leader, Finance Minister Christian Lindner. “However, we are working on a funding program that will be important,” he added.
According to Green Ricarda Lang, there is no shortage of financial resources, however, as it will withdraw from the climate and transition fund. “There is already a pot to be drawn – he said – there are savings planned, now it’s just a matter of deciding on the details,” the deputy of the Bundestag said. “Renewable heating brings climate protection, greater independence from dictators, security in winter, and it’s cheaper,” said Andreas Audretsch, deputy head of the Greens’ parliamentary group. “We will make sure that no one will be affected by the investment costs during the transformation, (…) to do this, we will create a billion-dollar program that will provide targeted support to less able people,” Audretsch concluded.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
