EPEE calls for more ambitious policies on heating & cooling efficiency

EPEE is delighted that the historic Fit for 55 legislative package includes proposals for increased targets on energy efficiency and renewable energy. A crucial step to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 - but still more ambitious measures could have been proposed to accelerate the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector.
In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent in 2030, the Commission has proposed more ambitious binding targets of an approx. 36% reduction in final energy consumption and a 40% share in renewable energy by 2030 – a move welcomed by EPEE, the voice of the air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration industry in Europe. However, we regret that the new 2030 energy efficiency target falls short of the cost-effective final energy savings potential of at least 40%.
In addition, EPEE believes even more ambitious measures could have been proposed to accelerate the decarbonisation of the heating and cooling sector, which currently represents roughly half of the final energy consumption in Europe. Phasing out fossil fuels in the sector and replacing the current heating and cooling stock with highly efficient and renewable-based solutions through all viable regulatory means is imperative to reach 55% GHG reduction by 2030.
EPEE believes that in order to accelerate the decarbonisation of heating and cooling, a sectoral efficiency target should have been introduced, which would ensure that Member States dedicate the required attention to the decarbonisation opportunities in the sector.
Moreover, consistency with the ambition levels must also be ensured in the upcoming review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Promoting energy efficient and renewable heating and cooling solutions in all renovations through minimum energy performance standards and other means is crucial. EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules must also do their part to ensure that fossil-based appliances are no longer placed on the market.
‘We now call on the EU Council and European Parliament to match the ambition of the European Commission proposals, and even surpass it for the decarbonisation of Heating & Cooling. The technologies are available to provide Europe’s heating and cooling needs without fossil fuels. Deploying them widely and quickly throughout Europe requires bold and comprehensive policies’ said Jürgen Fischer, EPEE Chairman and President of Danfoss Climate Solutions.