2030 Framework Incomplete Without Heating and Cooling

Press release by Euroheat & Power:

Euroheat & Power calls on the EU to tackle heating and cooling in its 2030 Framework

“Europe’s long-term climate and energy policies cannot be entirely convincing as long as they fail to properly address the question of heating and cooling” – Paul Voss of Euroheat & Power said following the publication of a Commission’s Communication on the 2030 climate and energy goals last week.

Heating and cooling represent over 45% of final energy consumption in the European Union compared to 20% for electricity, 26% transport and 9% for ‘non-energy’ use, yet they remain curiously peripheral features of EU energy policy. Regrettably – despite repeated calls from various stakeholders, not least the European Parliament – this has tendency continued with last week’s Communication on the 2030 framework5. Euroheat & Power calls on the European institutions as a whole to urgently take corrective measures in this area in order to preserve the quality and credibility of Europe’s climate and energy plans.

“Proceeding otherwise is like trying to build a car and forgetting about the engine”, said Voss, adding: “If we are serious about the energy transition, we will need a thoughtful approach that recognises heating and cooling for what they are; integral elements of the energy system which can and must be used to optimise overall performance.” This means going beyond vague suggestions that the future can, will and should necessarily see the large-scale ‘electrification of heat’. It means making active and deliberate policy decisions about how best to meet these basic human needs in the most cost-effective and sustainable manner possible.

”Alternatives do exist. In cities, where demand is most dense, district heating and cooling networks are a proven solution. In more rural areas, other options may be a better fit. The point is, a wide range of effective solutions are available. We need only find the conviction and imagination to pursue them” – Voss added.

An essential first step will be the launching of a public debate about the future of heating and cooling and their role in the broader energy system. Euroheat & Power stands ready to contribute to this discussion, and is convinced that the debate around the development of a 2030 climate and energy policies framework provides the perfect context and opportunity to get this vital process started.