The Chamber Finds the EU’s New Planned Requirements for Solid Fuel Boilers Unreasonably Strict

The European Commission intends to revise several regulations aimed at tightening ecodesign requirements for solid fuel boilers, with the goal of reducing air pollution, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the reparability and recyclability of equipment. The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry considers the proposed requirements disproportionate and does not support their implementation in the presented form.

Although the Chamber supports the overarching goals related to climate targets and environmental protection, the proposed technical limits—particularly for particulate matter and organic compounds—are practically unattainable for many manufacturers and consumers. The additional equipment required would make lower-capacity boilers significantly more expensive, threatening the viability of both small enterprises and district heating networks.

The Chamber believes that the proposed limits should be reviewed and more realistic values considered—ones that balance environmental objectives with technical and economic feasibility, as well as energy security.

The Chamber also pointed out that, compared to other EU regulations—such as the directive on medium combustion plants—the new requirements are unreasonably strict specifically for boilers with a capacity of 300–1000 kW. These are technically similar devices, so the emission limits should likewise be comparable and aligned.

Additionally, the Chamber noted in its opinion that the new requirements may not achieve the intended environmental outcomes. The increased cost of boilers may hinder the introduction of new equipment and extend the lifespan of older, more polluting units. Among other things, the Chamber requested that the proposed changes be postponed by at least five years.