The Walloon Parliament adopted, this Wednesday, the provisions organising the gradual phase-out of oil and coal boilers in existing buildings. This reform, initiated under the previous legislature, has been postponed to 2031 to ensure it remains affordable for households. Exemptions are provided.
The Parliament adopted, this Thursday, the provisions enabling the gradual phase-out of oil and coal boilers in existing buildings.
In concrete terms, the ban on installing and replacing an oil- or coal-fired boiler in an existing building, initially planned from 1 January 2026, is postponed to 1 January 2031.
To ensure a gradual, pragmatic and socially responsible transition, several safeguards are provided:
- a period of several years allowing owners to anticipate this change;
- the possibility of replacing the burner of an oil boiler until 31 December 2034, to ensure a gradual phase-out of this technology by 2050;
- a system of exemptions where alternatives are not technically, economically or functionally viable.
This reform complements the measure already in force for new buildings, where the installation of oil and coal boilers has been banned since 1 January 2026.
A transition adapted to realities on the ground
However, the Government points out that there is no single solution applicable to all Walloon homes. Depending on the building's characteristics, several alternatives may be considered: heat pumps, biomass boilers, hybrid solutions, heat networks, natural gas (from the grid or via an individual tank) and so on.
It should be noted that constraints linked to energy networks will be taken into account. As a result, no family will be placed in a situation where replacing its heating system becomes impossible due to a lack of available alternatives.
Tailored support
In addition, from 1 October 2026, the new regional renovation support scheme will simplify aid, strengthen support for households and make it easier to invest in more efficient heating systems. The MEBAR scheme has also been adapted to support more alternative solutions; grants help disadvantaged households replace their heating systems or carry out insulation or sanitation works.
Cécile Neven, Minister for Energy: “We have chosen a workable path. Our goal is not to impose a single solution, but to gradually guide households towards more sustainable heating systems, taking into account technical, economic and human realities. No one will be left without a solution”.