German Homeowners Rush for Renewable Heating Subsidies Amid Energy Price Surge

February 22, 2025
German Homeowners Rush for Renewable Heating Subsidies Amid Energy Price Surge
  • This initiative is part of the 'Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings' (BEG) program, which is set to continue under preliminary budget management to meet all legal obligations.

  • Households with low to moderate incomes can benefit from a funding rate of up to 70 percent for these heating system replacements.

  • Applicants can generally rely on their approval unless false information was provided during the application process.

  • In 2024, the KfW bank received a total of 227,000 applications for these subsidies, with nearly all applications approved immediately.

  • Since February 2024, homeowners of single-family houses have been able to apply for state funding to replace old gas and oil heating systems with renewable alternatives.

  • Despite the increased interest in applications, heat pump sales in 2024 fell by 46% compared to the record year of 2023, largely due to rising energy prices.

  • Interest in the funding has surged, with 35,800 applications submitted in January 2025 alone, primarily for heat pump installations.

  • Since May 2024, both owner-occupiers of single-family homes and landlords of multi-family homes have been eligible to apply for these subsidies.

  • The funding program's stability is assured despite potential government changes following federal elections, as it can only be revoked by future government decisions.

  • The German Ministry of Economics has confirmed that funding for heat pumps will continue as part of the BEG program.

  • From May 2024, private landlords and homeowners' associations with central heating systems can also apply for these subsidies.

  • The funding is linked to the 'Heating Law', which requires that new heating systems installed from 2024 operate at least 65 percent on renewable energy.

Summary based on 2 sources


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