Climate-friendly heating: the enduring role of heat pumps, according to Stiebel Eltron; they advocate for a definitive roadmap toward sustainable heating solutions.
In a recent statement, Stiebel Eltron, a leading innovator in the heating industry, has emphasized the need for a clear, long-term, and reliable framework to foster the growth of climate-friendly heating technologies in Germany. The call to action comes as the country seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2045.
Heat pumps, a proven heating solution installed millions of times, are seen as a crucial step towards this goal. However, significantly fewer heat pumps are installed per 100,000 private households in Germany compared to most other EU countries, according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).
The debate surrounding heat pumps has been emotional, myth-filled, and politically charged. But Burkhard Max, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron Deutschland Vertriebsgesellschaft, hopes for a refocus on reliable, climate-friendly, and economical heating solutions.
One of the main barriers to the growth of the heat pump industry in Germany is the complex and fragmented installation process. Customers face a challenging journey, encompassing difficulties comparing models, planning, financing, government incentives, and ensuring quality installation and operation. This fragmented service landscape risks poor heat pump performance, dampening customer confidence.
High initial costs and a shortage of trained installation and maintenance personnel are also significant barriers. Unlike Nordic countries, where more streamlined service models and supportive policies have accelerated uptake, Germany faces these issues.
Germany’s heat pump sales in 2024 were the lowest per capita in Europe, reflecting structural, regulatory, and economic challenges not as prominent in other EU countries. Although policies like the 2024 Heating Exchange Bonus and subsidies exist, sales remain below government targets.
Burkhard Max suggests that the heat pump is a proven and reliable technology already established on the market. He urges for more political support for the domestic heat pump industry to prevent international competition from overtaking Germany in this technology.
The heat pump technology is seen as a secure source of future-proof jobs by Stiebel Eltron. Protecting and advancing Germany's innovative heat pump industry is crucial, not just for the climate, but also for strengthening Germany’s economic location and benefiting all consumers.
For press inquiries, contact Henning Schulz, Head of Corporate Communications at Stiebel Eltron, at +49 (0) 55 31 / 70 29 56 85 or [email protected].
References:
- Apricum White Paper 2025: The Future of Heat Pumps in Germany
- EHPA Heat Pump Market Report 2024
- Technical Considerations for Heat Pump Installation in Germany
- German Government's 2024 Heating Exchange Bonus Policy
- Subsidies for Heat Pump Installation in Germany
- Climate-friendly heating technologies, such as heat pumps, are essential for Germany to reach its goal of climate neutrality by 2045, as emphasized by Stiebel Eltron, a leading innovator in the heating industry.
- One of the main challenges hindering the growth of the heat pump industry in Germany is the complex and fragmented installation process, which includes difficulties in comparing models, financing, government incentives, and ensuring quality installation and operation.
- Burkhard Max, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron Deutschland Vertriebsgesellschaft, urges for more political support for the domestic heat pump industry to prevent international competition from overtaking Germany in this technology, as he views heat pumps as a secure source of future-proof jobs.
- Stiebel Eltron believes that protecting and advancing Germany's innovative heat pump industry is crucial, not just for the climate but also for strengthening Germany’s economic location and benefiting all consumers, as it would provide environmental-science solutions to the finance and energy sectors with the help of technology.
