Clean Air - changes to the programme from 1 April 2024
From 1 April, changes will be made to the Clean Air Programme. NFOŚiGW is launching the process of controlling heat pump parameters. From now on, beneficiaries will only invest in proven devices that are on the ZUM list : https://lista-zum.ios.edu.pl/
Clean Air 2024 programme
The Clean Air Programme, launched in 2018 and scheduled to run until 2030, aims to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its first stage is the elimination of so-called 'fossil fuels' from homes and their replacement with energy-efficient and low-emission heating devices. The second stage is the comprehensive thermo-modernisation of single-family homes. According to the Local Government Portal, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management will allocate more than PLN 5.4 billion for this programme in 2024, and the call for applications is ongoing.
NFOŚiGW regularly updates the conditions and levels of funding under the programme. The upcoming change, which is expected to come into force soon, concerns the financing of heat pumps. Recently, the media have extensively reported on cases of investors who replaced their old 'fossil' heat pumps with heat pumps, expecting to reduce heating costs, but ended up with significantly higher electricity bills. The programme organisers have taken a number of measures in response to these events.
What changes to the Clean Air Programme from 1 April?
From 1 April 2024, as part of the Clean Air Programme, funding for heat pumps will be limited to only those appliances that are on the ZUM (green appliances and materials) list. For a heat pump to be included in this list, it must meet certain criteria:
- Testing must be carried out in independent and accredited laboratories that are located within the European Union or the European Economic Area (EFTA).
- The results of these tests must be consistent with the information provided on the product data sheet and the energy label of the appliance in question.
Currently, heat pumps that are already on the ZUM list have to complete the paperwork and provide a report on the listed tests in order to remain on the list.
There is a transitional period until 1 April for heat pump manufacturers and distributors to complete the required procedures.
After this period, only heat pumps that meet the requirements of the Clean Air Programme and have passed verification through testing will be included on the ZUM list.
These changes are in response to reported problems related to dishonest companies that offer heat pumps imported from China that do not meet the declared technical parameters. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management warns on its website against untested contractors who may recommend such devices. Unreliable handling of the installation and operation of these devices can lead to high electricity bills for investors who expected a completely different result.
Wood gasification and pellet boilers
From 1 April 2024, the Clean Air Programme will only subsidise those wood gasification boilers and pellet boilers on the ZUM list. This decision is in response to reports from the market about irregularities in the technical data provided by manufacturers and retailers for these appliances.
No changes to the qualification requirements are expected for these heat sources. They will continue to qualify:
- Higher standard wood gasification boilers.
- Premium pellet boilers.
These boilers are required to have an energy class of at least A+ and to emit half as much particulate matter as the standard limit, i.e. no more than 20 mg/m³.
The procedure for listing ZUM will not change and no new documents will be required for devices already listed.
What other changes to the Clean Air Programme in 2024
No changes to the requirements for other categories of eligible costs are expected in the forthcoming edition of the programme. Nhe amount of subsidies will also change.
More information on the Clean Air Programme website: https://czystepowietrze.gov.pl/media/informacje-prasowe/zapowiedz-zmian-w-programie-czyste-powietrze-w-zakresie-wymogow-dotyczacych-zrodel-ciepla
