Germany lacks strategy for heating sector transition

Germany’s sluggish transition to renewable-powered heating means gas will remain the country’s primary heating fuel for longer than previously thought.

Berlin has yet to sign off on legislation to increase energy efficiency in buildings and to phase out support for fossil fuels in the heating sector. In March, the conservative CDU party blocked the most recent legislative proposal, which had been supported by its coalition partner the SPD and by the Green party. New proposals are expected after Germany’s national elections on 24 September.