Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is obviously trying to defuse the conflict over his heating law. The Green politician is willing to give the owners of existing buildings more time to install a climate-friendly heating system if the old one cannot be repaired. Habeck wants to talk to the coalition factions next Tuesday about the planned building energy law. "We are all optimistic that this will lead to a good solution," said deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Büchner.

Manfred Schäfers

Business correspondent in Berlin.

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From 2024 onwards, according to Habeck's proposal, only new heating systems should be installed that are powered by at least 65 percent renewable energies. The Greens had pushed for a first reading of the bill this week, but the FDP prevented this. Habeck then accused the coalition partner of breaking his word. He retaliated and called the intention irresponsible to "now decide something 'quick and dirty'". The FDP parliamentary group has submitted 77 questions about the law to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. A spokesman for the Ministry of Economy called these questions "very reasonable". He evaluated it as proof that the Bundestag was now dealing constructively with the law.

More time for existing buildings

In an interview, the minister spoke of taking criticism and social concerns very seriously. "I want to make the law better," Habeck told the newspapers of the Funke media group. He named starting points for improvements. "When it comes to the start date, I think a staggering would be a possibility: We could start switching to new buildings from January 1, 2024. This will then apply to the new buildings, which will be approved from January." In the case of existing buildings, he wants to take up the desire for more time. It would also make sense to better synchronise the transitional periods with the construction and expansion of a heating network.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Construction announced that the "Climate-friendly new construction" funding program will be increased by 888 million euros. This secures the program until the end of the year, emphasized Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD).