The National Council made a corresponding decision on Friday afternoon. The template for the Renewable Heat Act provides for transitional provisions for ongoing business cases and procedures that must be handled in accordance with the previously applicable legal provisions. Only the FPÖ votes against the proposal.
The SPÖ was able to change its mind since the committee, which secured the required two-thirds majority. The Social Democrats had negotiated a commitment from the coalition that funding for the replacement of heating systems (and thermal renovation) should increasingly also be provided in apartment buildings and not, as was previously the case, mainly in single-family homes.
Switching to climate-friendly heating systems promoted
Associated with today’s decision is a special grant to the federal states of a maximum of 50 million euros for the years 2024 and 2025 to promote the switch to climate-friendly heating and thermal renovation. The prerequisite for the grant is that the state does not reduce its funding rates for the purposes of thermal and energy renovation and for switching to climate-friendly heating. The Freedom Party criticized excessive funding for the replacement of systems that were still functioning.
Criticism from the Greens to the FPÖ
The Greens criticized the FPÖ for not agreeing because it wanted to keep Austria dependent on Vladimir Putin. But environmental spokesman Lukas Hammer was also disappointed (just like the SPÖ and NEOS) that steps were not being taken with the existing systems. Some people probably lacked courage, he probably said towards his coalition partners. This has nothing to do with a lack of courage, but rather they don’t want to work with bans, but rather support people, said VP Energy spokeswoman Tanja Graf.
Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) was “fully” behind the package. Sometimes you just have to change the plan and now have a model that stands on two legs. It is completely clear that anyone who builds a new building is not allowed to use coal, oil or gas. The second side is the strong focus on the existing buildings. Here, all people who get involved in climate protection and replace heating systems are supported with around three quarters of the costs.
