James Paul 
The chimney fire that crackles during winter evenings could soon become a memory. The European Commission may well launch a bucket of water on wood heating responsible for emissions from fine particles.
A European bill aims to considerably strengthen environmental standards, to the point that The sale of many models of stoves and fireplaces could be prohibited from 2027.
Should we still invest in wood heating?
The wood heating sector already crosses a zone of turbulence. According to the Renewable Energies Observatory, sales of devices fell 18 % in 2023, with only 420,000 units sold. A decline accentuated by The 30 % reduction in Maprimerenov ‘aid for wood heating since January 2025.
The European Commission may well add a nail to the coffin. The label ” eco-design »Who establishes the energy performance and emissions standards is in full redesign. The goal is to drastically decrease the discharges of fine particles, these micropollutants which largely contribute to air pollution, particularly in winter.
The text was originally to be examined on February 12, but in the face of an uproar, the commission postponed its decision, evoking the need for a ” Additional technical work ».
Between public health and rural traditions, the debate ignites
In France, wood heating is one of the most popular heating modes. It represents the main heating mode of 43 % of individual houses. It is often the most economically accessible option in the campaign.
The defenders of this energy insist on its renewable and local character with responsible management of the forest. On the other hand, supporters of stricter regulations point to health risks. Wood heating devices, especially the oldest, emit large amounts of thin particles and carbon monoxide. The World Health Organization believes that indoor air pollution causes thousands of premature deaths in Europe each year due to respiratory problems.
The cleaner alternatives already exist with pellet stoves, heat pumps and other hybrid systems. Only, their initial cost puts off many consumers being already equipped with an effective heating mode.
The final decision of Brussels could take place in the coming months. Suffice to say that it is probably wiser to wait for the decision of the European Commission before investing in a mode of wood heating which could become obsolete very soon.
- The European Commission plans to prohibit the sale of numerous stoves and wood chimneys from 2027
- This measure aims to reduce the emissions of fine particles, but threatens a sector already in difficulty
- The cleaner alternatives remain more expensive, especially after the drop in public aid
