Germany Seeks to Boost Renewable Sources of Heating

Germany's government set out changes to subsidy guidelines on Wednesday to try and boost the renewable sources of energy used to heat buildings and offices as it strives to avoid missing its ambitious climate targets.

Renewable sources of energy accounted for almost 28 percent of Germany's electricity last year, but only 9.9 percent of its heating, far below a target for a 14 percent share by 2020.

"Through improved incentives we want to significantly speed up the expansion of renewable energy in the heating market," Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said in a statement.

Under the changes, the government has reformed a market incentive program worth 300 million euros ($318 million), to include revenue dependent support for solar heat as well as ambitious efficiency criteria.

The program also envisages a bonus for small and mid-size companies that invest in renewable sources of heating as well as grants and loans for bigger companies.

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