Little Awareness of “Exchange Premium” for Oil Heating Slows Down Thermal Energy Transition

Press Release – Thursday, March 19, 2020

Munich/Bonn, March 19, 2020: An EuPD Research survey conducted in the context of this year’s “Energiewende Award“ reveals that the exchange premium for oil heating in Germany is relatively unknown to home owners. Home owners with oil heating are somewhat more familiar with the program, the level of information, however, can be improved.

Since January 2020, German citizens owning an old oil heating can apply for an exchange premium for a new, efficient, and climate-neutral heating system with renewable energies. A subsidy of up to 45% of the total costs is being awarded; the actual percentage level depends on the heating system that is to be installed. A study of Bonn-based market and economic research firm EuPD Research -- conducted in the context of “Energiewende Award” -- demonstrate little awareness of the newly introduced exchange premium within the market incentive program (“Marktanreizprogramm”/ MAP).

Survey results show that only half of the 500 questioned German home owners have knowledge of the exchange premium for oil heating. Only 14% of survey respondents state to have dealt with the issue and to have excellent knowledge about it. Homeowners with oil heating – about 26% of interviewees – know significantly more about it (62%) and at least acknowledged the existence of the premium. Especially here, a higher awareness level would be more desirable. Only one in five would potentially decide for a heat pump - though heat pumps receive the highest premium of 45%.

“The lack of knowledge regarding the exchange premium among the target group of home owners shows, how much educational work still needs to be done. At the same time, the thermal energy transition is the Achilles heel of the energy transition”, comments Dr. Manuel Michaelis, Manager Key Account Management for Energy Suppliers and Energy Service Providers at Vaillant, and partner of Energiewende Award 2020, in the view of findings. For the fourth time in a row, the most innovative energy providers are being awarded with the Energiewende Award during the innovation platform “the smarter E Europe on June 18, 2020. The award is addressed to energy suppliers that especially drive the Energiewende in the DACH region with their engagement and commitment. Initiators of this project are the DCTI Deutsches CleanTech Institut, The smarter E Europe and EUPD Research. Our partner Vaillant supports the Energiewende Award for the second time in a row.

Further information about Energiewende Awared can be found at www.energiewende-award.de .

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