Over half of Bremen's heating systems are over two decades old, according to a BDEW study. A whopping 57% of these systems are past their prime, with 28% being even older than 25 years. Germany as a whole fares slightly better, with just under 20% of its heating systems aged 25 years or more.
Lower Saxony boasts the youngest heating systems in Germany, with an average age of 12.3 years. In contrast, Bremen's heating systems average 16.4 years old. Older systems, particularly oil-fired ones, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, which accounts for around 30% of Germany's total CO2 emissions.
The shift from oil to gas heating is noticeable. This change is largely due to policy changes, as previously, natural gas was promoted as a more climate-friendly alternative. However, this perspective changed after Russia's attack on Ukraine, leading Germany to sever ties with its main gas supplier.
Germany aims to make heating more sustainable with the Building Energy Act (GEG). This legislation necessitates that from 2024, all new heating installations should operate with 65% renewable energy. Older heating systems, especially those that are 20 years or more, are discouraged and may eventually be phased out.
Upgrading to more energy-efficient heating systems, such as heat pumps or district heating, can significantly reduce energy bills for Bremen residents and contribute to combating climate change. The federal government provides subsidies for such upgrades and incentives to adopt cleaner technologies.
City initiatives like Augsburg and Mannheim's plans to phase out gas grids by 2035 demonstrate a regional commitment to reducing emissions and promoting clean energy. German cities and states are actively adopting measures to make their heating systems more climate-friendly.
Heating systems in Bremen are aging, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. However, Germany is taking steps, including the GEG, subsidies, and local initiatives, to promote a shift towards cleaner heating technologies. This transition will require residents and businesses to upgrade their heating systems, potentially leading to savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Source: dpa.com
Enrichment Data:
- Many heating systems in Germany, including those in Bremen, are likely to be older than 20 years, given boilers have an average lifespan of more than two decades.
- German initiatives to make heating more climate-friendly include the Building Energy Act (GEG), which mandates upgrades to renewable energy sources and phases out older fossil fuel boilers.
- The government provides subsidies through the Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude (BEG), covering up to 70% of the investment cost for energy-efficient home upgrades.
- Geothermal energy initiatives aim to increase its use in heating networks by tenfold by 2030, with easier approval procedures for geothermal projects contributing to this transition.
- The CO2 cost-sharing system between landlords and tenants supports tenants living in poorly-insulated homes. Landlords bear greater carbon price responsibilities in buildings with high emissions.
- Some German cities are taking bold steps towards greener heating. Augsburg and Mannheim, for instance, plan to phase out gas grids by 2035, promoting district heating and other sustainable alternatives.
