Danish homeowner may buy new gas boiler over phase-out uncertainty

A Danish homeowner is considering buying a new gas boiler because alternatives are too expensive and the government has not set a date for phasing out gas, DR reports.

Ole Lauridsen, who lives in Grejs outside Vejle, uses his gas boiler for hot water, radiators and underfloor heating. The system is 14 to 15 years old and may soon need replacing.

Lauridsen is among more than 250,000 Danish homeowners who still heat their homes with gas in 2026. He says the lack of a clear phase-out date has left him uncertain about whether it makes financial sense to switch systems.

A few years ago, residents of Grejs were offered the chance to connect to the district heating network. Lauridsen and several neighbours rejected the offer because the connection costs were too high compared with continuing to use gas.

The offer included a connection fee of 90,000 kroner and about 30,000 kroner for plumbing work in the home. Lauridsen says a new gas boiler would cost 30,000 to 40,000 kroner, while connecting to district heating would cost between 100,000 and 125,000 kroner. He also says the ongoing costs would be about the same.

If his current boiler breaks down, Lauridsen says he is prepared to buy a new gas boiler.

“I simply cannot see the reason why I should switch,” he said.

Climate, Energy and Utilities Minister Samira Nawa has declined to set a date for when gas use will be fully phased out. Asked three times, she did not give a clear answer, according to DR.

Nawa had previously been one of the strongest critics of the lack of a fixed end date, arguing that it was essential to give homeowners enough certainty to avoid wasting thousands of kroner on new gas boilers.

Nawa did not comment on the criticism. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities said the parties behind the 2022 agreement on phasing out oil and gas are due to revisit it during 2026.