Coalition agrees on details of heat planning law
The traffic light coalition has agreed on the final details of municipal heating planning. Members of parliament from the SPD, Greens and FDP have reportedly agreed on amendments to the bill, which is due to be passed by the Bundestag this Thursday. Parliamentarians from the coalition emphasized the openness to technology on Tuesday. "Whether biomass, district or local heating - all available energy sources can be used," assured deputy SPD parliamentary group leader Verena Hubertz. The heat supply must "fit the region", added FDP parliamentary group deputy Carina Konrad.
The planned regulations are intended to supplement the Building Energy Act (GEG), also known as the Heating Act. Only when a municipal heating plan is in place will homeowners be obliged to heat with at least 65 percent renewable energy. Large cities have until June 30, 2026 to draw up a heating plan, while smaller cities have two years longer. Citizens will then know whether their house will be connected to a district heating network or whether they need to install a heat pump for climate-friendly heating.
Green MP Karoline Otte spoke of a law that would drive forward the heating transition. Otte assured that her party would fight for compliance with climate targets. "At the same time, everyone's home must stay warm in the future."
The agreed amendments to the heat planning law will require energy providers to significantly increase their use of renewable energy sources among consumers, as mentioned by deputy SPD parliamentary group leader Verena Hubertz. This shift towards renewable energy is expected to be overseen by the Bundestag during its discussions and potential approval of the bill this Thursday.
Source: www.dpa.com
