Economy Minister Robert Habeck has defended his plan to phase out oil and gas heating for buildings built from 2024, insisting the targets are “achievable”. Mr. Habeck he also denied claims that the government is under pressure from the US to limit its economic ties with China.

According to their plan Ministries of Economy and Construction and Buildingsbuildings constructed from 1.1.2024 must be heated with a system that does not use oil or natural gas, while a complete ban on the operation of such heating systems will be completed by 2045. Energy consumption in Germany will be reduced by 24% by 2030 and by 45% by 2045, Mr Habeck explained during a press conference, adding: “The plan is ambitious, but the numbers are achievable.”

The government’s plan has drawn fierce criticism, even within the government, with the Liberals (FDP) even seeking its cancellation. Criticism is mainly about the new burden it will cause for millions of households, who will have to replace their existing heating systems. Responding today, Robert Habeck promised that low and middle incomes would be supported by “million-dollar” funding programs. The details of the funding are currently being worked out in cabinet, he said, criticizing previous governments, pointing out that “their own delays are now causing time pressure”. “It is politically unacceptable to continue as before. For ten years we have not made any progress on our climate goals,” said the minister, warning at the same time that “Germany is losing its competitiveness and is faced with the task of completely restructuring its prosperity and harnessing renewable energy sources.”

Answering related questions, Robert Habeck emphasized that the government is not under pressure from the USA in order to limit economic ties with China, pointing out that Germany has its own reasons for wanting to reduce its dependence on Beijing.

A few days ago, the government revealed that it is reviewing the participation of Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE in its 5G network, with the aim of protecting critical infrastructure.