Steffen Bilger Advocates for Heating System Reform and Criticizes Green Gas Quotas

Steffen Bilger, First Parliamentary Managing Director of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has voiced strong opinions regarding Germany’s energy transition, particularly concerning the reform of the heating law and the proposed green gas quota. Bilger argues that relying on fossil fuels presents significant price and regulatory risks, and that a green gas quota is not a viable solution.

Economic Concerns and the Future of Heating

Bilger emphasizes the economic drawbacks of continuing to depend on fossil heating systems. He points to the increasing cost of CO₂ and the import-dependent, volatile nature of fossil energies as sources of uncertainty for both households and businesses. According to Bilger, investing in future-proof technologies like efficiency improvements, heat pumps, and renewable heat sources is more economically sensible and ultimately cheaper in the long run.

Criticism of the Green Gas Quota

Bilger is critical of the proposed green gas quota, arguing that scarce and expensive biomethane or hydrogen are better suited for industrial processes and flexible power plants rather than residential heating. He believes this approach does not address the core issues of the energy transition.

Balancing Climate Protection and Social Justice

Bilger asserts that climate protection and social justice are not mutually exclusive. He contends that investing in future-proof technologies now will protect consumers from rising costs and promote a more equitable energy transition.

Background on Steffen Bilger

Steffen Bilger has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2009, representing the constituency of Ludwigsburg. He served as Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure from 2018 to 2021. Since May 2025, he has held the position of First Parliamentary Managing Director of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group [Deutscher Bundestag]. Prior to his parliamentary career, Bilger studied law at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and worked as a lawyer [Wikipedia]. He was admitted to the bar in 2007 and founded a law firm with two colleagues [Wikipedia].

Key Takeaways

• Fossil fuel dependence carries significant economic risks due to rising CO₂ prices and import volatility.
• The proposed green gas quota is not an effective solution and resources should be directed towards industrial applications.
• Investing in efficiency, heat pumps, and renewable heat sources is a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.
• Climate protection and social justice can be achieved simultaneously through strategic energy policy.

Bilger’s statements reflect a growing debate within Germany regarding the best path forward for the energy transition, balancing environmental concerns with economic realities and social equity.