Fegebank sees role backwards in the heat transition - Hamburg's mayor slams Germany's heating reform as climate policy backslide
Hamburg's Second Mayor and Environment Senator Katharina Fegebank has sharply criticised the federal coalition's latest heating reform plans. She accuses the government of backtracking on climate commitments by once again allowing fossil gas and oil heating systems. The proposed changes have sparked a debate between political factions over Germany's path to climate neutrality.
The coalition's policy paper permits property owners to continue installing oil and gas heating systems, provided they gradually incorporate climate-friendly fuels from 2029. Starting that year, new systems must use at least 10% CO₂-neutral fuels, with this share increasing until 2040. A small green gas quota of up to 1% will also apply from 2028. This reform effectively replaces the previous 65% renewable energy requirement for heating systems.
Fegebank slammed the decision as a retreat, arguing it removes planning certainty for businesses and skilled trades. She warned of a looming cost trap, claiming the government is misleading people under the pretence of technological neutrality. The reforms, she said, make it unlikely Germany will meet its climate neutrality targets by 2040 or 2045. Meanwhile, Hamburg's CDU faction welcomed the federal agreement. Party leader Dennis Thering described the key points as a modern and realistic framework for the heating transition. However, he cautioned the city's red-green government against imposing stricter state-level regulations. Thering stressed that additional hurdles from Hamburg could undermine progress in climate protection.
The reform plans mark a shift in Germany's heating policy, prioritising gradual integration of green fuels over immediate renewable energy mandates. Property owners will now have more flexibility in choosing heating systems, but critics argue the changes weaken climate goals. The debate highlights tensions between federal policy and regional implementation.
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