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Federal Minister of Economics Habeck at the heat pump summit in Berlin
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has announced a special regulation for owners of heat pumps with the planned electricity price brake.
Accordingly, a special consideration should be created for heat pumps that were installed in 2022.
That's what Habeck said after the "heat pump summit" in Berlin.
The electricity price brake provides for a kilowatt hour price of 40 cents for households for a basic quota of 80 percent, which refers to the previous year.
However, anyone who has bought a heat pump this year will not be able to compare it with the previous year, to which the capped price could refer.
"According to logic, one would be punished for the behavior that is actually politically desired - namely away from fossil energies," said Habeck.
According to the Federal Association of Heat Pumps, many customers who have just had a heat pump installed are very concerned that the electricity price brake will not cover their heating costs.
The switch to heat pumps is gaining momentum
The installation of heat pumps in Germany is currently picking up speed: the goal of installing half a million devices per year from 2024 is "feasible", assured industry and trade at the summit.
The minister promoted the comparatively expensive technology: in the long term, the change is worthwhile, the state is "generously" promoting it.
A heat pump works in a similar way to a refrigerator, only in reverse.
Depending on the type of construction, it draws external heat from the ground, water or air and emits it inside.
Comparatively little electrical power is required for the drive.
Home builders or owners are currently waiting six months to a year to be able to install a heat pump, said Martin Sabel, Managing Director of the Federal Heat Pump Association.
There is a lack of equipment and skilled workers for installation.
The number of craft businesses that can install heat pumps "is now growing steadily," added Habeck.
Education and training programs have begun, and other sectors such as chimney sweeps are taking part.
Sabel from the Federal Heat Pump Association added that this was possible “with minor training measures”.
Around 1.4 million heat pumps are currently installed in Germany, and by 2030 there will be six million.
In 2021, 154,000 new devices were installed, and according to Habeck, there will be 230,000 this year.
For comparison: around 14 million gas heaters currently heat houses and apartments in this country.
hej/dpa-AFX/AFP