The ETIP RHC organized a new regional roundtable focusing on renewable heating and cooling in Western European countries. The roundtable was organized on 5 June as part of the Euroheat & Power Congress in Rotterdam (the Netherlands).
The session was moderated by Frank Gérard (Trinomics) who introduced the speakers and gave an overview of the revised Renewable Energy Directive and RHC targets, reminding the participants that RHC constitutes around half of the European energy consumption.
The panel was composed of Eloi Piel (Euroheat & Power), Raymond Decorvet (MAN Energy Solutions), Valérie Séjourné (Solar Heat Europe), and Sanjeev Kumar (European Geothermal Energy Council).
The discussion first focused on the importance of the role of national and local authorities, and municipalities in driving changes, supporting financially RHC technologies and providing the cheapest solutions, such as district heating and cooling for households. Cities also have an educational role to play in informing and convincing citizens.
Other best practices were mentioned during the event. Sector coupling can provide solutions with heat pumps and data centres to manage waste heat. To support RHC technologies, policies are needed to reach net-zero emissions. Carbon and CO2 taxes can also make fossil fuels less attractive. Some examples from Norway were showcased. In addition, the speakers added that the decision-making process to support and invest in renewable energy technologies needs to be smoothened.
At the end of the roundtable, all speakers agreed that collaboration in the renewable energy sector is key to phasing out fossil fuels. DSOs can also empower local authorities.
