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The Ministry of Climate and Environment suspends funding under the Clean Air program for 31 models of pellet boilers
The Ministry of Climate has halted financing for 31 models of pellet boilers under the Clean Air initiative. This action is prompted by worries regarding the potential installation of an unauthorized emergency grate, which permits the burning of non-ecological fuels.
As highlighted by the ministry, the decision was reached by the Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute (IOŚ-PIB) in collaboration with the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, stemming from publicly raised concerns that certain pellet boilers might allow the addition of an illicit component, an emergency grate. This contravenes the stipulations of the Clean Air program. The emergency grate facilitates the burning of alternative fuels, such as coal, in biomass boilers.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Modifications to Boilers
The suspension affects 31 models out of 2,561 boiler types listed on the ZUM (Green Devices and Materials) registry , which qualify for funding from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
Manufacturers have the chance to submit additional documentation and clarifications to have their products reinstated on the list. The Ministry noted that modifications to the ZUM list regulations, effective from April 29, 2025, will necessitate a written declaration from the manufacturer affirming that the boiler cannot accommodate an emergency grate.
Using improper fuels in a pellet boiler equipped with an emergency grate alters the operational parameters, leading to increased dust and pollutant emissions, which undermines the environmental objectives of the program, the Ministry of Culture and Environment stated. Moreover, this practice misleads consumers, as boilers promoted as eco-friendly may function similarly to traditional „smokers,” which contradicts the principles of energy transition.
Enhanced Security Measures
The Ministry also announced that, as part of the forthcoming revision of the ZUM list regulations, additional protective measures will be implemented to avert the inclusion of devices that fail to comply with the Clean Air program requirements. The inability to install an emergency grate must be verified by an independent laboratory accredited for boiler assessments. Furthermore, if a manufacturer of a device listed on the ZUM provides false information, all products from that manufacturer will be removed from the list for a minimum of two years. Previously, the Ministry of Climate stated that if a Clean Air program participant reveals the installation of a grate in a subsidized boiler, they will be liable for repaying the subsidy, along with interest.
