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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Kate Connolly in Berlin

German heat pump rollout at risk as government suspends climate subsidies

A modern heat pump in front of residential building in Bavaria
A modern heat pump – which has become a divisive symbol in Germany’s quest for energy-efficient homes – in front of residential building in Bavaria. Photograph: Westend61 GmbH/Alamy

Germany has put an indefinite stop to a series of subsidies viewed as key to meeting climate goals, a move that could undermine the rollout of heat pumps as the country attempts to plug a multi-billion-euro hole in its budget.

Nine funding programmes, covering everything from energy efficient homes to cargo bikes for commercial use, are now on hold as Olaf Scholz’s coalition government seeks to make savings of about €17bn (£15bn).

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