MaPrimeRénov': Professionals denounce the exclusion of biomass boilers, a decision deemed incomprehensible and weakening an entire sector

This decision, incomprehensible to professionals and households alike, runs counter to the needs of the French people, energy transition objectives, and economic imperatives. While wood remains the most affordable energy source, it deprives many families, particularly in rural areas, of a sustainable and accessible solution.

The signatories emphasize that a genuine energy mix is ​​essential to address local realities. They denounce the "stop and go" policy pursued by public authorities regarding renewable energies, which weakens companies invested in and trained to meet the challenges of the transition.

They therefore call for the rapid removal of this regulatory measure.

Open letter from energy renovation and building stakeholders to the Prime Minister

“Mr. Prime Minister,

All stakeholders in the energy renovation and construction sectors express their strongest opposition to the elimination of aid for households to purchase biomass boilers under the MaPrimeRénov single-action scheme. This development, introduced by the decree and order published on September 9, is contrary to any logic of energy transition, support for the purchasing power of the poorest French people, and an energy mix adapted to the regions.

Indeed, wood boilers effectively contribute to decarbonization and prove to be a pragmatic and suitable solution in many geographical areas, particularly rural or far from urban center networks.

This is why, as part of the economic and social resilience plan presented in March 2022, the State granted an exceptional increase of 1.000 euros to the MaPrimeRénov' aid supporting the installation of heating systems operating on renewable energies, in particular biomass boilers.

The current measure of total and arbitrary withdrawal of aid therefore constitutes a completely incomprehensible about-face and will have harmful consequences for the entire sector. It was, moreover, overwhelmingly rejected by members of the National Housing Council on September 5.

The biomass boiler market, already weakened by the energy crisis, has seen its turnover drop by 80% and has already been severely affected by the previous government's decision to reduce by three the bonuses for energy saving certificates granted to them under the Heating Boost, without any budgetary logic. However, this decision was also widely rejected by the Higher Energy Council on July 24.

The current budgetary challenge is significant and calls for collective responsibility. However, the elimination of MaPrimeRenov' for wood-fired boilers, which, as you are aware, has generated considerable outcry among elected officials and professionals, would represent a very small saving of around €20 million, compared to the work generated by such bonuses (around €100 million) and the associated tax revenue.

In addition to sending a negative signal, this measure economically condemns an entire sector, distances the French from an energy recognized as being the cheapest (three times less than electricity), and slows the transition from carbon-based energies to less carbon-intensive energies (wood energy is the leading renewable energy in France). Furthermore, it should be remembered that this renovation gesture constitutes a step in the framework of a more ambitious energy renovation process through actions that the sector is calling for.

We therefore solemnly request the swift removal of this regulatory measure and call for the energy renovation policy to be placed within a sustainable, transparent, and stable framework that will ensure the confidence of households and the mobilization of professionals. Political leaders must, more than ever, demonstrate responsibility towards the country's economic players.

Our team is at your disposal and that of your teams to provide you with any additional information.

While awaiting a response from you, which we hope will be favorable, we send you, Mr. Prime Minister, the expression of our highest consideration.

The petitioners :

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.