Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-07-05 Origin: Site
In 2025, France is accelerating its commitment to decarbonizing the residential and commercial heating sector. With the introduction of new national regulations targeting fossil-fuel-based systems, France is positioning low-carbon heating solutions—especially heat pumps—as central to its clean energy transition.
This article provides a detailed overview of France’s new low-carbon heating regulation, its impact on homeowners and businesses, and the growing role of air-to-water heat pumps in meeting national energy goals.
Heating accounts for nearly 60% of energy consumption in French homes, and a large portion of this demand is still met using oil and gas. To reach its net-zero emissions target by 2050, France has introduced strict measures to phase out carbon-intensive heating systems.
In January 2025, the French government implemented the RE2020 heating directive, an update to the Réglementation Environnementale 2020, focused on drastically reducing carbon emissions in buildings.
Ban on installing new fossil fuel boilers (oil, coal) in both new and existing buildings
Strict carbon emission thresholds for all heating systems (limited to 4 kg CO₂/m²/year in new builds)
Mandatory low-carbon heating systems for all new residential and commercial properties
Encouragement of electrified heating, including heat pumps and hybrid systems
Under the new regulation, low-carbon heating technologies include:
Air-to-water heat pumps
Ground-source heat pumps
Hybrid heat pump systems (with electric or biomass backup)
District heating networks powered by renewable sources
Solar thermal systems
Gas boilers, even with high efficiency, are no longer compliant unless paired with renewable energy sources or used within renewable-powered district heating systems.
To support the adoption of low-carbon systems, France offers generous subsidies through programs such as:
Grants of up to €10,000 for replacing fossil-fuel heating with heat pumps
Additional bonuses for low-income households and deep energy retrofits
Private-sector incentives financed by energy providers
Up to €4,500 per project, depending on system and region
Loans up to €30,000 to finance heat pump installation or insulation work
France has become one of Europe’s largest heat pump markets:
Over 650,000 heat pumps installed in 2024
Expected to surpass 800,000 units in 2025
EDF, Atlantic Group, and Daikin France leading market expansion
Large-scale training initiatives underway to address labor shortages
Replacement of old oil or gas boilers now required with low-carbon alternatives
Access to multiple grants and financing options
Must work with certified professionals (RGE label)
New homes must integrate compliant systems (e.g., heat pumps or solar)
RE2020 compliance required in building permits and energy modeling
Higher property value and lower energy bills are key benefits
While the regulation is a major step forward, there are real-world hurdles:
Higher upfront cost for some low-carbon systems
Installer availability and workforce readiness
Older buildings may need complementary retrofits (e.g., insulation)
However, long-term savings and government support make the shift increasingly feasible for most households.
France’s new regulation complements the EU’s “Fit for 55” package and aims to reduce building sector emissions by at least 40% by 2030. It places France among the EU’s most ambitious member states in the push for climate-resilient housing.
France’s 2025 low-carbon heating regulation marks a decisive turn in the country’s energy strategy. By promoting heat pumps and renewable alternatives while phasing out fossil fuels, France is setting a strong example of how policy, technology, and incentives can align to support a sustainable future.
