Date Published: 03/01/2025
The days of gas, coal and diesel boilers are numbered in Spain
The EU has set a definitive timetable for the elimination of gas boilers in favour of more sustainable options
The European Union has set its sights on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%, with a firm timeline to phase out fossil fuel boilers between 2035 and 2040.
This ambitious goal, outlined in the EU’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement, will bring significant changes to thousands of homes across Spain as early as 2025.
According to the European Commission, buildings in EU Member States account for 40% of total energy consumption and contribute 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes the building sector pivotal in achieving the decarbonisation of Europe’s economy.
Who is affected by the change?
Don't worry, if you already have a fully functioning gas, coal or diesel boiler at home, it can continue to operate normally. However, the transition will happen gradually beginning with a significant change this year when subsidies for fossil fuel heating systems will be scrapped.
What this means is that when existing boilers break down, homeowners will need to replace them with more sustainable alternatives. Fossil fuel boilers, including relatively efficient models like condensing boilers, will no longer be financially incentivised. Instead, homeowners are encouraged to switch to modern, more efficient systems.
What other changes will occur in the coming years?
The EU’s roadmap emphasises the use of heat pumps and renewable energy technologies while allowing for hybrid systems that combine boilers with solar thermal systems or heat pumps.
By 2028, all buildings occupied or owned by public entities must be climate-neutral. This means that they must not generate carbon emissions throughout their life cycle, including the production and disposal of construction products.
Additionally, from 2030, all new buildings in the European Union will have to have sustainable heating systems. The installation of gas boilers will be prohibited for new constructions, which will promote the adoption of technologies such as aerothermal energy.
Finally, by 2040, gas boilers must be phased out of all buildings in Europe. Member States will be obliged to replace them with alternative systems such as heat pumps, ensuring a complete transition towards decarbonisation.
Also of interest: New packaging rules in Spain should make recycling easier
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