The MAP is a funding programme operated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action which provides incentives to make greater use of renewable energy to generate heat: private consumers, members of the professions, companies, municipalities and other eligible parties such as non-profit organisations receive a grant from the state if they install an efficient and climate-friendly heating system.

The installation of heating systems that are operated entirely using renewable energy, such as heat pumps and biomass systems, is supported with an investment grant of up to 35 percent. If an old oil heating system is replaced, the funding rate may be increased to 45 per cent.

Gas hybrid heating systems with a renewables-based share of at least 25 per cent – for example through the integration of solar thermal energy – can be supported with an investment grant of up to 30 per cent. If an old oil heating system is replaced, the funding rate may be raised to 40 per cent.

Gas condensing boilers that have been built ready to integrate renewable energy later on in time can be supported with an investment grant of up to 20 per cent.

Funding is also provided for setting up heat networks and heat storage units.

More than 1.8 million systems have already been funded via the MAP since 2000. Consumers can find more information and application forms on the website of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), at www.heizen-mit-erneuerbaren-energien.de (in German). Businesses and municipalities using larger systems can find information on the website of KfW (in German).