Incentives, Tools and Platforms towards replacement of old wood-based biomass heating installations

Posted by Marc on 15-06-2020 - Last updated on 16-04-2021

- EU ban on the sale and import of non-efficient systems: the European Ecodesign directive will ban non-efficient individual appliances by 2022. - Ban on the installation of non-performing systems - Develop heating networks associated with wood-fired boiler rooms: the installation of heating networks in sufficiently dense areas makes it possible to eliminate the non-efficient means of heating present. The installation of the network must be accompanied by an obligation to connect to it within the framework of land use plans. - Malus-bonus on the performance of the heating appliance: based on the same system as for motor vehicles with a purchase bonus system depending on the performance of the appliance (emission, efficiency). - Promote financial aid for changing the appliance to a high-performance system (e.g. FAB Arve aid): the change to renewable energy should also be promoted. - Open up aid to secondary residents: state aid can only be paid to primary residents. An alternative solution would be to pay the aid directly by the community. - Control by chimney sweepers and declaration of conformity: the use of a compliant appliance can be checked when the chimney sweep passes by. However, this control must be carried out in consultation with the profession. - Work with the labels and certifications of the appliances on the tests carried out in the laboratory: it is known that some laboratories make it easier to obtain quality labels. A thorough control of these laboratories is necessary to ensure the performance of the appliances placed on the market. - Mandatory periodic verification of the proper functioning of the installation: as is the case for boilers, a periodic verification of the proper functioning of the wood-burning appliance could be considered. This would allow verification of the good condition and proper use of the appliance but also the quality of the fuel. - Convince of the need for controls: controls seem necessary to enforce the regulations. Without controls, a regulation serves mainly as a means of communication. - Have a complete audit of the housing and the available aids and not only the change of heating appliance: it is important to integrate the change of heating appliance in a more global reflection on housing. Energy renovation makes it possible to reduce the need for heating and therefore the change of appliances is not necessarily necessary. It is necessary to consult between the aids for heating and those for the renovation of the dwelling.