The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is pushing for a dramatic overhaul of the planned heating law reform, advocating for the complete elimination of climate protection requirements for new heating systems in existing buildings. CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn articulated this position in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, signaling a significant shift in the debate surrounding Germany’s energy transition.
Spahn’s proposal extends beyond simply halting the current trajectory; it calls for the repeal of existing regulations which stipulate that, in the near future, even in older buildings, new heating installations must operate using at least 65 percent renewable energy sources. He stated that abolishing the law altogether would remove any legal compulsion in this regard. While not specifying whether he envisions a complete removal of the climate targets or a reduction, Spahn emphasized that negotiations would occur within the governing coalition, keeping discussions away from public channels. He alluded to a new “Building Modernization Law” as recently announced, which he claims will balance climate protection with technological openness.
This stance directly challenges the ambitions of the previous “traffic light” coalition’s Building Energy Act (GEG), which aimed to accelerate the replacement of oil and gas heating systems with renewable alternatives, particularly heat pumps. The initial timeline for revising the law, originally slated for late 2023, was postponed due to disagreements between the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), demonstrating the deep-seated political divides surrounding the energy transition. The SPD remains steadfast in its support for the 65 percent renewable energy requirement.
The CDU’s proposal raises serious questions about Germany’s ability to meet its legally mandated climate goals. The Expert Council on Climate Questions, tasked with monitoring the nation’s adherence to the Federal Climate Protection Act, has repeatedly highlighted the continuous need for action in the building sector. Experts warn that delaying or weakening measures to reduce building emissions risks exacerbating the costs of energy consumption for German citizens and throughout the European Union, effectively transferring the burden onto future generations. The move is now expected to trigger a protracted and potentially contentious debate within the new coalition government, highlighting the complexity of navigating climate policy in the face of economic and social pressures.