The European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE) has welcomed the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal (CID) and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, emphasizing the strategic role of the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) industry in Europe’s decarbonization efforts.
“Now is the time for the Commission to recognize the strategic importance of the RACHP industry,” said Russell Patten, EPEE Director General. “Our products are a key solution provider for the decarbonization of heating and cooling and an important contributor to energy security.”
The Action Plan for Affordable Energy includes initiatives such as an EU guarantee scheme for energy efficiency services, social leasing for heat pumps, and recommendations to lower electricity taxation. These measures are expected to support the uptake of efficient technologies. EPEE also anticipates the Heating and Cooling Strategy, set for the first quarter of 2026, and urges its swift implementation.
Despite the market readiness of RACHP technologies, deployment has faced challenges, particularly with the market slowdown since 2023. EPEE sees the CID as a means to address these barriers by ensuring a coherent legislative framework, legal certainty, and adequate training for installers to support market growth.
“Our industry fully supports the renewed ambition to phase out fossil fuel subsidies,” Patten added. “Heat pumps can and will drive economic and environmental success while slashing natural gas dependence and ensuring our democracy and security.”
