In a device for providing heating energy to a gas-generating system by means of essentially complete catalytic combustion of a fuel on a suitable catalyst material, heat energy is transferred directly or by means of a heat-conducting medium from the catalytic burner to the gas-generating system. To improve the starting behavior and the exhaust emissions, the device comprises three components that are at least temporarily traversed by fuel, with a cold-start component having an electrical heating device. The central component is preferably designed as a filter press with an integrated heat exchanger. A third, unheated, stage is also provided for residual gas combustion.