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Heating revolutionized: heat pumps conquer the Eastern Harz!
In the Eastern Harz, there is intensive discussion about the Building Energy Act (GEG) and the switch to climate-friendly heating systems.
Heating revolutionized: heat pumps conquer the Eastern Harz!
The switch to climate-friendly heating is in full swing! In a forester's house near Alexisbad, which will be illuminated on June 24, 2025, everything revolves around sustainable heating systems and the recent controversies surrounding the Building Energy Act (GEG). Susanne Götze's mother has lived for over two decades in a 19th century forester's house, which is self-sufficient and independent of fossil fuels thanks to a heat pump. Heating systems are now more than just a regional discussion.
In winter, on a frosty January morning, the forest around the forester's lodge is in its best winter glory. The cozy rooms with high ceilings and thick wooden floorboards stay warm thanks to innovative heating technology, even though there are no oil tanks or gas connections. Instead, four heat pump holes in the garden provide the necessary heat directly from the ground. A prime example of modern, environmentally friendly energy use - but the road to get there was and remains rocky.
On the way to the heat transition
In 2023, especially around February 27th, a heated discussion began about the new building energy law, which is intended to accelerate the move away from oil and gas heating. Perspective Daily reported that the media was conducting a debate about “compulsory heat pumps” and statements like “Habeck wants to take away our heating.” The GEG, which is intended to end the use of fossil fuels for heat supply in buildings by 2045, is intended to promote heating with renewable energies.
The Federal Republic has an ambitious goal: from January 1, 2024, every newly installed heating system must generate at least 65% of its heat from renewable sources. The Federal Government announced transition periods, with large cities having until the end of June 2026 and smaller cities until the end of June 2028 to convert their heating systems. A big challenge for many who live in existing buildings!
Funding and support
The draft law also brings with it numerous support measures. A basic subsidy of 30% for climate-friendly heating systems and a speed bonus of 20% for replacing old fossil heating systems by 2028 are intended to make the switch easier. Particularly interesting for households with taxable income of up to 40,000 euros: An additional bonus of 30% is on the horizon!BMWSB.
However, the next steps are crucial. New heating systems should only be installed in new buildings without fossil fuels. This transformation of the heating market is accompanied by energy advice, which is also supported. Up to 50% of the consulting costs can be covered, which is a great support for many rental and owner associations.
Amid the heated debates and legal innovations, one thing becomes clear: the path to sustainable heat supply is clear. With innovative heating technologies such as heat pumps, hybrid heating and solar thermal energy, Germany is looking positively into the future, but must keep an eye on the challenges facing the general population. Without a common approach to implementation, the heating transition will be difficult to achieve in the next few years.