German Government Waters Down Controversial Heating Law

The German government agreed to abolish a controversial ban on new gas and oil heating systems as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’ conservatives rush to deliver on a key electoral promise.

The heating law signed off by the previous government in 2023 sparked a public outcry as it required newly-installed heating systems to use at least 65% renewable energy. At the moment, almost 80% of Germany’s residential buildings are estimated to rely on oil or gas heating.