BEE questions climate impact and energy efficiency of replacing old fossil fuel-fed boilers

Replacing an old fossil-fuelled boiler with a new one saves less energy than often assumed, said the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), based on a report published by the consultancy Econsult. Depending on the type of old boiler, 2 to 15 percent energy and CO₂ emissions can be saved, according to the report. Additional savings are possible by upgrading the whole system. “Simply replacing an old fossil-fuelled boiler with a new one is not an effective climate protection measure,” said BEE’s Carsten Pfeiffer. The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) has criticised the report in a statement, arguing that up to 30 percent CO₂ reduction is possible if the complete system is optimised. “Replacing the boiler is an effective and consumer-friendly way to protect the climate,” said the BDEW.

Find the press release in German here and find the report in German here.

For background, read the CLEW dossier The Energiewende and Efficiency.