During a summer tour, Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck campaigned for heat pumps, despite recent challenges with the heating law and slow adoption of fossil-free technology. Habeck remained optimistic, pushing for a shift away from gas and oil heating systems.
In the midst of the summer lull, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck embarked on a three-day tour to promote heat pumps, a key component in Germany’s transition to sustainable heating. The tour, which culminated in Berlin’s Lichtenberg district at an Ikea store, was part of Habeck’s broader effort to salvage the public perception of the heating law and to boost the sluggish sales of heat pumps.
At the Berlin Ikea location, Habeck was joined by Sandra Stibale, the store manager, and Marco Schäfer, CEO of Austrian heat pump manufacturer Ochsner Energietechnik. Ikea, which has been using heat pumps since its construction in 2011, provided a successful example of the technology’s benefits. Stibale emphasized Ikea’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, while Schäfer explained how the pumps utilize heat from a nearby sewage system to maintain comfortable shopping temperatures.
Habeck’s tour included stops in northern and western Germany, where he visited newly installed heat pumps and highlighted their advantages. The visit to Ikea, a company known for its positive Scandinavian image, marked a fitting end to the tour. Habeck, who revealed that parts of his kitchen still date back to his student days, praised Ikea for demonstrating that heat pumps can work effectively for large enterprises.
Challenges and setbacks in the heat pump market
The tour comes at a crucial time for Habeck, who is trying to regain public support after the controversy surrounding the Building Energy Act (GEG), commonly known as the heating law. The law, which aims to reduce Germany’s reliance on fossil fuels, has faced significant opposition, leading to a sharp decline in the heat pump market. Homeowners and landlords remain uncertain about the transition, and the goal of installing 500,000 heat pumps this year now seems out of reach. Industry figures show that only 90,000 units were installed in the first half of 2024, a 54% drop from the same period in 2023.
Meanwhile, gas heating systems, though also declining, fared better, with 223,000 units sold—a 42% decrease. Sales of oil heating systems even increased by 14%, with 55,000 units sold, highlighting the continued preference for fossil fuels despite climate goals.
Habeck’s optimistic push for change
Habeck’s tour aimed to restore confidence in heat pump technology. Throughout his visits to boiler rooms, factories, and gardens, Habeck avoided discussing climate protection directly. Instead, he focused on the financial benefits, stressing that heat pumps could increase property values and perform well even in colder climates like Norway. He reassured homeowners that floor heating and new buildings are not prerequisites for installing a heat pump. Habeck confidently stated, “A heat pump saves money,” citing the expected rise in oil and gas prices due to CO₂ taxes.
Concluding his tour in a light-hearted manner, Habeck expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am happy,” while noting that as a minister, one must not shy away from challenges. His final stop was a visit to a 75-year-old retiree, Roswitha Mende, who had recently installed a heat pump in her 1970s-era home in Laatzen, near Hanover. Mende’s investment in the new technology provided a symbolic moment for Habeck, highlighting the challenges and costs associated with the transition, particularly for older homeowners.
Back at the Ikea store in Berlin, Habeck was given the task of restarting the heat pump, which had been turned off during the visit due to noise. After a couple of attempts, he successfully restored cooling for the store’s customers. To cap off his visit, Habeck indulged in a vegetarian hot dog, fully loaded with all the toppings—a nod to the familiar Ikea experience.
