GERMANY — The German government’s new building energy legislation to phase out the use of fossil fuel heating systems has generated mixed reactions from industry associations and environmental groups. The much-debated law, introduced on 8 September, “finally creates planning security in the heating transition for consumers, industry, and the skilled trades,” Simone Peter, head of the renewable energy industry association BEE, said. Peter argued that the “overdue” decision will enable a ramp-up of renewable power in the heating sector. The BEE head said green hydrogen could not play a major role in the sector’s decarbonisation due to scarcity concerns. “Only with renewable solutions – from heat pumps, solar, thermal and geothermal installations to wood, pellets and biogas – can the heating transition be successful,” she said. …Greenpeace said the law lacked ambition and fell short of meeting the climate targets for the heating sector.