BERLIN, July 10 (Reuters) – The German parliament on Friday passed a contentious heating law that scraps a requirement introduced under the previous coalition for new building heating systems to derive at least 65% of their energy from renewable sources.
The new law will require new gas and oil systems to gradually blend in climate-neutral fuels from 2029, increasing their level from 10% to 60% by 2040.
The government’s plan envisages heating fuels becoming fully climate-neutral by 2045, in line with Germany’s broader climate goals.
The law was able to pass after the constitutional court on Thursday rejected a last-minute injunction by the Left party seeking to delay the parliamentary vote.
Critics of the new legislation, including environmental groups and opposition lawmakers, say the changes weaken climate protections and could slow the shift away from fossil fuels in the building sector.
The government says the changes will give homeowners greater freedom in choosing heating systems and simplify rules introduced by the previous administration.
The law still has to go to the Bundesrat, the legislative body representing Germany’s 16 federal states. The Bundesrat can seek amendments through a mediation committee but it cannot block the bill.
(Reporting by Christian Kraemer and Holger Hansen, writing by Miranda Murray, editing by Kirsti Knolle)
