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 and find the report in German .
For background, read the 91tv dossier The Energiewende and Efficiency.