A proposal from CSU General Secretary Martin Huber to halt funding for heat pumps in order to address budgetary gaps is causing friction within the governing coalition.
Jakob Blankenburg, climate policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, described the suggestion as “absurd” stating that withdrawing support would not only jeopardize the acceleration of the energy transition and climate goals, but also erode trust among citizens, businesses and skilled trades.
Huber’s proposal followed considerations from Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) regarding increased taxation for high-income earners, prompting the challenge to the federal funding program for energy-efficient buildings. The suggestion is also drawing criticism from within the industry itself. A spokesperson for Berlin-based heat pump manufacturer Enpal emphasized that “industry and skilled trades have geared up for modernizing heating systems and hundreds of thousands of households have invested in these technologies. What they need now from politicians is reliability and predictability.
Further strong condemnation came from the Green Party. Andreas Audretsch, deputy parliamentary group leader, stated that “the CSU wants to eliminate funding for new heating systems and home renovations. This is nothing short of a frontal attack on families who cannot afford a new heating system without support”.