Sales of gas and oil boilers rose sharply last year while sustainable home heating solutions declined, the Belgian Climate Technologies Federation (Climafed) says in its annual report.
Sales of gas boilers increased by almost 10%, from 152,000 devices in 2023 to 166,600 in 2024. For oil boilers, the progression is even stronger: +28% (from 9,800 to 12,500 devices). “This increase is especially noticeable in Wallonia, where consumers anticipated the announced ban on oil boilers in new constructions from March 2025“, writes Climafed.
On the other hand, sales of hydronic heat pumps fell by 40%, from 42,000 devices in 2023 to 25,000 in 2024.Thermodynamic water heaters, which should constitute an accessible step towards renewable energies thanks to their economic advantages and their high subsidies, fell by 48% (from 31,500 to 16,500 devices).”
Solar water heaters have also declined significantly (-60%). “Despite their proven effectiveness and economic benefits, these solutions remain undervalued, in part because of the negative perception that has passed from photovoltaic panels to solar collectors.“, notes the federation.
The latter points to several factors that could explain this regression. The price of electricity is currently almost four times higher per kWh than that of gas. The consumer seems to have made his choice. “Inflation, high interest rates and uncertainty over energy prices make households reluctant to invest in technologies like heat pumps.”
Climafed also denounces “inconsistent” political measures and “misleading and simplistic” media coverage.
fuel oil gas energy
Belgium
