Green gas quota for fossil heating: expensive deception

Environmental and consumer associations are strongly warning against the wrong path that the black-red federal government is taking with the introduction of the so-called green gas quota - and they are absolutely right. This quota stipulates that from 2028, gas and oil for fossil heating must contain a certain proportion of supposedly climate-friendly fuels, such as bio-methane. However, the “green” gases or oils do not deserve this name. Because they are not as climate-friendly as the name suggests, and they cause significant ecological damage because the required plants are grown in monocultures.

The introduction of the “green gas quota” for fossil fuel heating is a bad trick by the black-red federal government when implementing the traffic light heating law. It wants to give the impression that the climate goals can be met, even if the operation of gas and oil heating systems remains possible indefinitely. But the green gas quota will not achieve this - simply because it does not apply to industry as a large consumer. In addition, it is completely uncertain where the huge amounts of “green” fuels will come from. What is certain, however, is that they are very expensive.

The price for this deception will be paid by future generations who will have to deal with the dramatic consequences of global warming. In just a few years, consumers will be struggling with the expectedly rising costs of heating with gas or oil. This is particularly bitter for tenants who have no influence on the type of heating they use and those who allow themselves to be blinded by the government. In the first half of 2026, despite the climate crisis and warnings from consumer advocates, more than 130,000 new gas heaters were still sold.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

The fact that supposedly green fuels are not a solution can only mean one thing: the federal government must correct itself. It should introduce a scrappage bonus for oil and gas heating systems instead of throwing sand in citizens' eyes.