Following Germany's recent election, the Heating Act is expected to be revised by the new government • ISH 2025: Further growth and innovation expected in the sector of sustainable building technologies, yet a call for consistent policies remains • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from Germany
Although the Bundestag election has concluded, the focus now shifts to forming a new government. Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s Chancellor candidate, aims to have the government in place by Easter to tackle the pressing economic, social, and geopolitical challenges ahead. A key priority will be advancing Germany’s energy transition, which is essential for reducing costs for both households and businesses. The incoming government, likely to be a coalition between the CDU and SPD, will also need to address the heating transition.
The Heating Act, introduced by the previous government, has become a focal point of debate. Designed to phase out outdated heating systems in favor of more climate-friendly alternatives, the law has instead sparked significant controversy. Rather than encouraging a shift to greener heating, it has led to a rise in the installation of oil and gas systems. During the election campaign, the CDU called for its abolition, while the SPD expressed a preference for amending the law’s details rather than scrapping it entirely.
A central issue in the ongoing debate is the subsidy for installing climate-friendly heating systems. Currently, households can receive up to 70% of installation costs for systems that use at least 65% renewable energy. While the CDU/CSU has yet to make a definitive statement on removing the subsidy, the heating industry warns that eliminating it could severely disrupt the transition. Industry representatives stress the need for a stable financial framework to ensure success in reducing CO₂ emissions in the building sector, but the ultimate outcome will depend on the government’s decisions moving forward.
Read more in article from Merkur
At the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt, the plumbing and heating industry is showcasing a range of solutions designed to conserve resources and drive sustainability. The event, held from March 17 to 21, gathers industry leaders focused on plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning technology. For these solutions to have a meaningful impact, however, industry representatives emphasize the need for clear and reliable guidelines from politicians.
Despite global challenges, participants at the ISH trade fair remain optimistic about the future. With high demand for resource-efficient technologies, the industry views this as a growth opportunity. The solutions on display include climate-neutral systems, energy-efficient heat generators to reduce CO₂ emissions, advanced technologies for improving indoor air quality, and AI-driven building automation systems to optimize energy use. However, industry representatives stress that these innovations can only reach their full potential if the government implements clear, consistent policies to support their adoption.
Markus Staudt of the German Federal Association of the Heating Industry emphasized the growing renovation backlog, exacerbated by policy uncertainties in recent years. Additionally, he pointed out the significant potential in buildings, where modern technologies could dramatically reduce both energy and water consumption, offering substantial opportunities for industry growth and sustainability.
The industry’s positive outlook is evident in its growth, as reflected in the trade fair’s expansion. With nearly 2200 exhibitors from 54 countries, ISH 2025 is set to be a major platform for industry leaders. Most noticeable is the innovations at display focusing on integrated systems and sustainable solutions, that could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
Read more in article from Frankfurter Allgemeine
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