Luxembourg revises its support policy for heating systems

The response of Luxembourg's Minister for Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Mars Di Bartolomeo has revealed an important problem: the government does not have a database on the number of households living without central heating. Despite this gap in the statistics, the Minister's office has indicated its position on financial support for the renovation of individual heating systems.

According to the Minister, priority should be given not just to replacing old individual cookers, but to installing centralised heating systems. This is due to their ability to provide even and stable heating throughout the house. Support is mainly allocated through the state programme "Klimabonus Wunnen", which covers the whole house as a unit and not just the individual units.

Special emphasis is placed on socially vulnerable groups. An additional "Topup social Klimabonus" is provided for them, which can cover up to 100 per cent of the system installation costs. This makes the switch to central heating not only environmentally justified, but also financially affordable for those in need.

However, the government is considering subsidising the replacement of cookers, provided that the new installations are energy efficient and low-polluting. Examples of eligible alternatives are modern wood cookers, pellet cookers and combined biofuel heating systems.

The Minister (Serge Wilmes) also emphasised the importance of a broad information campaign. This is being handled by the state agency Klima-Agence, which disseminates information through public spaces, media and digital channels. Personal counselling and online tools are available for those who wish to assess their eligibility for subsidies.

The option proposed by the MP (Mars Di Bartolomeo) of co-operating with fireplace makers and chimney sweeps to disseminate information is also interesting - it is also seen as a possible measure to improve citizens' awareness.