Security-orientated energy policy - A financing strategy for Germany's independence from natural gas

• In the longer-term, LNG import dependency exposes the economy and society to new inflation risks, geopolitical tensions, and increasing risks to the climate and to the planned energy transition. [...] • Actors in the industry and building sectors can rely on market-ready, proven and clean technologies and processes to replace natural gas in heating buildings, to electrify industrial process heat and to use limited hydrogen capacities specifically for material substitution in basic chemicals and for direct reduction processes in steel production. [...] A scaling programme for heat contracting, a support package for the municipal heating transition and practical help mobilises housing companies, energy service providers and municipal utilities to invest, create economies of scale and involve them in the further development of the legal framework. [...] Practical help for the heat transition The aim of this measure is to accelerate energy-efficient renovation of building envelopes, replacement of heating systems and energy services in the building sector by identifying and removing bureaucratic obstacles. [...] Skilled labour campaign for the heat transition A strategic initiative to recruit and retrain skilled workers from sectors affected by structural change and the collapse of the construction industry to fill the gap in finishing trades such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building electrics.