Energy policy Liechtenstein
Information
Energy regulations for buildings
With mandatory PV and a switch to environmentally friendly heating systems, Liechtenstein's buildings are to be supplied with energy in a more secure and climate-friendly way in the future.
Government strengthens measures for more climate protection and energy efficiency
Questions and answers on mandatory PV and switching to environmentally friendly heating systems
Date: 02/01/2023
Promotion of home automation systems
Energy Specialist Office/Funding/Home Technology
Stand:14.12.2022
Promotion photovoltaic systems
Amendment to the Energy Efficiency Ordinance: government sets subsidies
Energy Specialist Office/ Subsidies/Photovoltaics
Stand: 30.11.2022
Energy Strategy Liechtenstein
Energy Strategy 2030/ Energy Vision 2050, Monitoring Report and List of Measures
Date: 10/31/2022
Action Plan to Strengthen Energy Security
Government media release dated 06/07/2022
Stand: 06.07.2022
Energy Action Plan 2022
Stand: 05.07.2022
Consultation report regarding PV obligation and ban on new oil and gas heating systems adopted
Government media release dated 05/11/2022
Stand: 11.05.2022
Frequently asked questions around the planned measures on environmentally friendly heating systems
1. What is the cost of installing a heat pump, including subsidies?
Heat pumps, especially air-source heat pumps, are somewhat more expensive to purchase than gas or oil heating. According to an example calculation of the energy office, an air heat pump in a single-family house costs about CHF 30,000, compared to CHF 21,000 for a gas heating system. The air heat pump is subsidized with about CHF 7'000.-, which results in additional costs of CHF 2'000.-. However, it should be noted that the prices can vary greatly depending on the initial situation. For heat pumps with ground probes, the drilling of the probes is an additional cost factor. In the current volatile situation, statements on price comparisons are difficult, because not only the prices of natural gas and heating oil are rising, but also the prices for heat pumps due to the high demand.
2. Does the operation of a heat pump cost more than a gas or oil heating system over its entire lifetime?
Operating costs depend on the amount of fuel used and the price of fuel, as well as other costs such as for maintenance. With the average prices of the last years one comes with a single-family house with an air heat pump on a saving of approximately CHF 900, - per year. The additional investment can therefore be amortized in a short time. Even assuming higher costs than listed under question 1, it can be assumed that a heat pump will pay for itself within the next ten years. For heat pumps with ground probes, the payback period is somewhat longer due to the higher investment. However, ground probes last at least 50 years and do not have to be replaced when the actual heat pump is replaced.
3. What does the installation of a pellet heating system cost, including subsidies?
A pellet heating system is according to the calculations of the energy office with about CHF 36,000 more expensive than an air heat pump, but also receives a higher subsidy of about CHF 12,000. This largely compensates for the additional costs compared to the air heat pump. Pellet heating systems are a good alternative to oil heating, especially in older properties with radiators from the 1970s or listed buildings. In such cases, the tank room is converted into a pellet store.
4. Does the operation of a pellet heating system cost more over the entire service life than a gas or oil heating system?
Operating a pellet heating system costs about the same as operating an oil or gas heating system. Pellets have historically tended to be slightly less expensive, while service costs have been slightly higher than a gas or oil heating system.
5. What subsidies can I benefit from?
For environmentally friendly heating systems, attractive subsidies are aligned by the state and municipalities. For an air-source heat pump in a single-family home, the subsidy totals around CHF 7,000. For larger properties, the subsidy is higher depending on the heated area. Heat pumps with air, geothermal probes or groundwater as heat source, pellet heating systems and district heating connections are subsidized. The state's subsidy amount can be determined using the subsidy calculator at www.energiebündel.li . The municipalities usually double these amounts up to the maximum limits. Important: With the building of the plant must be waited, until the promotion promise is present.
6. How can I connect my house to the district heating?
To do this, it must be clarified whether the house is located near a district heating pipeline or is located in a district heating zone where a supply is already possible or planned. The Energy Agency recommends contacting the relevant district heating network operator (Balzers heating plant, Malbun heating plant or Liechtenstein Gas Supply/LGV). The responsible district heating network operator will assist with further clarifications and with the submission of the subsidy application and will make a concrete offer.
7. In which cases is a heat pump, pellet heating or connection to district heating more suitable?
In a first step, it should be checked whether a district heating connection is possible at all. If this is not the case, a further assessment should be made on the basis of the year of construction. Buildings from year of construction 1985 can be supplied in the vast majority of cases very well with a heat pump, because from 1985 the thermal insulation regulations for buildings were tightened. In general, all buildings that have underfloor heating can also be easily converted to heat pump operation.
For buildings built before 1985, it is necessary to check more closely whether they have been improved in terms of energy in the meantime (windows, walls and roof). In most cases, an efficient heat pump operation is possible. If the clarification shows that higher flow temperatures than 50°C are necessary, there are several options: Insulate the building accordingly, which makes sense if the building is to remain as it is for many years to come. If you do not want to or cannot insulate the building, there are high-temperature heat pumps. This makes perfect sense for older buildings that are coming to the end of their useful life. Another option is to install a pellet heating system. This provides high flow temperatures and is a full replacement for oil or gas heating.
8. When do the new regulations apply?
This depends on how long the legislative process takes. The effective date is expected to be April 2023.
9. Will I have to replace my existing gas heating system when the ban takes effect?
No, as long as this does not need to be replaced, it can continue to run. Only when it is replaced must an environmentally friendly solution be installed.
10.What do I do if the heat pump is not available?
In such cases, the installer will propose a bridging solution or the Office will speak a temporary exception in cases of hardship.
Stand: 11.05.2022