Towards an EU Energy Union that Works: Time to Deliver

Euroheat & Power welcomes today’s publication of the State of the Energy Union Communication, an important early milestone in the journey towards a new energy future for Europe. Following the release of the document earlier today, Managing Director Paul Voss said: “We are of course pleased to see the references to a transformation of the heating sector, reduction of dependence on fossil fuels for heating and the need for increased national support for high-efficiency District Heating and cogeneration. At the same time, it’s clear that these warm words will only matter if they are translated into concrete, ambitious and effective regulatory measures in the months and years to come.

Simply put, we can either make a serious plan to shift to a secure, efficient and low carbon energy system or we can keep burning oil and gas in our cellars. These alternatives are mutually exclusive and we count on policy-makers in Brussels and beyond to acknowledge this and plan accordingly. As Commissioner Šefčovič said in his press conference today, it is time to start delivering!”

Earlier this year, the European Commission published its Communication on the “Framework strategy for a resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate change policy”, clearly underlining the fact that the heating and cooling sector in general and District Heating in particular can and must play a key role in a successful European energy transition. Euroheat & Power welcomed in particular an Energy Union approach recognising the crucial role of sustainable space heating and cooling in reducing the EU’s energy import bills, reinforcing energy security and cutting energy costs for households and businesses. As a next step, we look forward to the Commission’s forthcoming Heat Strategy with great interest and, as a sector, are confident in our ability to contribute to the pursuit of its stated aims and Europe’s wider climate and energy ambitions.

Download the policy statement.