Energy policy Liechtenstein
Information
8/2023
New study: Grid-friendly operation of private battery storage systems
Energy regulations for buildings
With mandatory PV and the switch to environmentally friendly heating systems, Liechtenstein's buildings are to be supplied with energy in a more secure and climate-friendly way in future.
Government steps up measures for greater climate protection and energy efficiency
Status: 01.02.2023
Promotion of building technology systems
Energy Agency/ Funding/ Building services
Status: 14.12.2022
Promotion of photovoltaic systems
Amendment to the Energy Efficiency Ordinance: Government determines subsidies
Energy Agency/Promotion/Photovoltaics
Status: 30.11.2022
Liechtenstein energy strategy
Energy Strategy 2030/ Energy Vision 2050, monitoring report and list of measures
Status: 31.10.2022
Action plan to strengthen energy security
Government media release dated 06.07.2022
Status: 06.07.2022
Energy action plan 2022
Status: 05.07.2022
Consultation report on mandatory PV and ban on new oil and gas heating systems adopted
Government media release dated 11.05.2022
Status: 11.05.2022
Frequently asked questions about the planned measures for environmentally friendly heating systems
1. How much does it cost to install a heat pump, including subsidies?
Heat pumps, especially air heat pumps, are slightly more expensive to purchase than a gas or oil heating system. According to a sample calculation by the Energy Agency, an air heat pump in a detached house costs around CHF 30,000, compared to CHF 21,000 for a gas heating system. The air heat pump is subsidized with around CHF 7,000, resulting in additional costs of CHF 2,000. However, it should be noted that prices can vary greatly depending on the initial situation. For heat pumps with geothermal probes, drilling the probes is an additional cost factor. In the current volatile situation, it is difficult to make price comparisons, as not only natural gas and heating oil prices are rising, but also the prices for heat pumps due to the high demand.
2. Does operating a heat pump cost more over its entire service life than a gas or oil heating system?
The operating costs depend on the amount of fuel used and the price of fuel, as well as other costs such as maintenance. Using the average prices of recent years, a single-family home with an air heat pump will save around CHF 900 per year. The additional investment can therefore be amortized in a short time. Even assuming higher costs than those 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 geothermal probes, the amortization period is somewhat longer due to the higher investment. However, geothermal probes last at least 50 years and do not need to be replaced when the actual heat pump is replaced.
3. How much does it cost to install a pellet heating system, including subsidies?
According to the calculations of the Energy Agency, a pellet heating system costs around CHF 36,000 more than an air heat pump, but also receives a higher subsidy of around CHF 12,000. This largely offsets the additional costs compared to an 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 its 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. In the past, pellets were usually slightly cheaper, while the service costs were slightly higher than for a gas or oil heating system.
5. What subsidies can I benefit from?
The state and local authorities offer attractive subsidies for environmentally friendly heating systems. For an air heat pump in a detached house, the subsidy amounts to a total of 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 a heat source, pellet heating systems and district heating connections are eligible for subsidies. The state subsidy amount can be calculated using the subsidy calculator at www.energiebündel.li. The municipalities generally double these amounts up to the maximum limits. Important: You must wait until the subsidy has been approved before building the system.
6. How can I connect my house to district heating?
It must be clarified whether the house is located near a district heating pipeline or 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 Liechtensteinische Gasversorgung/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, a pellet heating system or a connection to district heating more suitable?
The first step is to check whether a district heating connection is even possible. If this is not the case, a further assessment should be made based on the year of construction. In the vast majority of cases, buildings built from 1985 onwards can be supplied very well with a heat pump because the thermal insulation regulations for buildings were tightened from 1985 onwards. In general, all buildings with 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 efficiency in the meantime (windows, walls and roof). In most cases, 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 more years. High-temperature heat pumps are available if you do not want to or cannot carry out any additional insulation. This makes perfect sense for older buildings that are reaching the end of their service life. Another option is to install a pellet heating system. This provides high flow temperatures and is a fully-fledged replacement for oil or gas heating.
8. When do the new regulations apply?
That depends on how long the legislative process takes. It is expected to come into force in April 2023.
9. Do I have to replace my existing gas heating system when the ban comes into force?
No, as long as it does not need to be replaced, it can continue to run. An environmentally friendly solution only needs to be installed when it is replaced.
10. What do I do if the heat pump is not available?
In such cases, the installer will suggest a bridging solution or the office will grant a temporary exemption in cases of hardship.
Status: 11.05.2022