30 August 2023

Minister Al-Wazir visits Viessmann

Hesse's Minister of Economics and Energy, Tarek Al-Wazir, expects heat pump technology to reduce heating costs in the long term. "Renewable energies guarantee a much more calculable, cost-effective and stable supply in the medium to long term than fossil fuels, which are only available to a limited extent," he said on Thursday during a visit to the climate solutions provider Viessmann in Allendorf (Eder). "Those who rush to install a new gas or oil heating system now will pay more in the long term than those who invest in renewable energies."
Viessmann is one of the leading international providers of heating, refrigeration and climate control technology. At the end of April, the family-owned company announced that it was selling its core business, including heat pump manufacturing, to the American Carrier Corporation.

Al-Wazir saw the takeover as a sign of the great dynamism in the market for climate-friendly heating appliances: "More and more companies are recognising the economic opportunities of the energy transition. Viessmann has developed great expertise in this area - especially due to its qualified and highly committed employees and know-how. At the same time, investments in the future require capital. I am confident that the new owner will build on these strengths. The takeover can also be an opportunity: it provides the capital to win market share worldwide with the technologically leading heat pumps from Northern Hesse."

Dr. Karsten Hoppe, CSO Viessmann Climate Solutions, said: "It is a special honour and above all a great pleasure for us to welcome Hesse's Minister of Economics and Energy, Tarek Al-Wazir, in Allendorf. We outlined for him why we see ourselves as enablers of the energy transition in the building sector. With our 14,000 Viessmann family members, we are facing the biggest task of our time - the energy transition. We should all see this challenge of our lifetime, as well as the heat pump ramp-up and the shortage of skilled workers, as a great opportunity!"

Dr Hoppe added that the required climate solutions are available today. During the tour of the company – especially through the technical centre, the acoustics laboratory and the heat pump production area – the Minister of State was shown these solutions and the ongoing research and development. Dr. Hoppe concluded with the words: "We would be pleased if we could also set a step for Hessen's common path into the future today. To create living spaces for generations to come."

Al-Wazir pointed out the huge importance of the company for the region: "Viessmann has been closely linked with North Hesse for over 100 years. The state government wants the production of heating and air conditioning technology to remain a strong economic factor in this region. This is why subsidies are available for research and development as well as for training and further education of craftsmen and women in new technologies. We support Hesse's economy on the path to sustainability."