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Austria's Ambitious Heating System Overhaul Targets 30,000 Fossil Systems Annually

Austria's bold plan to swap 30,000 fossil heating systems each year could cut CO2 emissions by 270,000 tons annually. But not everyone's on board.

This is the picture of a building to which there are some grills, posters and some lights around.
This is the picture of a building to which there are some grills, posters and some lights around.

Austria's Ambitious Heating System Overhaul Targets 30,000 Fossil Systems Annually

The Austrian government has revived its renovation initiative, aiming to replace over 30,000 fossil heating systems annually with climate-friendly alternatives. The 'First Come First Served' principle will govern the allocation of funds, with a fixed annual budget of 360 million euros. The new funding model will cover up to 30 percent of total costs, a significant reduction from the previous 75 percent.

The initiative, led by Environment and Climate Minister Norbert Totschnig, seeks to reduce CO2 emissions by 270,000 tons per year. Several industry associations, including Renewable Energy Austria and proPellets Austria, have commended the move. However, political parties FPÖ and Greens have criticized the initiative, with the FPÖ deeming it a 'waste of taxpayers' money'.

Applications for funding can be submitted from mid-November at the official website, with services carried out from October 3rd eligible for retroactive funding. The federal government has earmarked a total of 1.8 billion euros for boiler replacement and thermal renovation by 2030.

The renovation offensive, despite mixed political reception, is set to significantly impact Austria's climate change mitigation efforts. With a clear target of switching over 30,000 fossil heating systems annually, the initiative aims to make a substantial dent in the country's CO2 emissions.

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