Call for clean heat in Europe: Industry demands fair prices and clear policies

Industry representatives stressed that clean heat needs to be made more economically viable in order to increase energy security, reduce heating costs and meet climate targets. Heating and cooling account for around half of total energy consumption in Europe, but 70 percent of this energy still comes from fossil fuels. Joel Boehme, Campaign Manager at Clean Heat Europe , emphasised that this situation is unsustainable both environmentally and economically, and said: “Strengthening the business model for clean heat in Europe would both reduce costs and contribute to Europe’s energy independence. It would also help maintain our industrial leadership in this area.”

The companies that signed the manifesto are leaders in heat pumps, central heating systems and solar energy solutions. However, there are some fundamental problems preventing the widespread use of these technologies:

• Differing regulations and complex permitting processes among member countries,
• Clean heat technologies are still more costly than fossil systems,
• Underdeveloped heat and electricity infrastructure blocks new solutions.

Four main demands from the sector

The eight-page manifesto published by Clean Heat Europe contains four key demands to the European Commission:

Stable and consistent policies: The sector is demanding full implementation of the 2030 targets under the Green Deal and clear, credible targets for 2040. It is also calling for an end to subsidies for fossil fuels and for district heating schemes to be made mandatory in cities.

Reducing consumer costs: As a solution to the high costs that are the biggest obstacle to the widespread use of clean heating systems, it is suggested that the tax burden on electric heating solutions be reduced and users have access to dynamic, competitive tariffs.

Investment and financing support: It is demanded that comprehensive investment programs be put in place at EU level to address high installation costs and infrastructure investments. It is particularly suggested that revenues from the Emissions Trading System (ETS2) be channelled into this area.

Removing administrative and infrastructural barriers: Prolonged approval processes and inadequate grid infrastructure are the biggest bureaucratic obstacles to projects. The manifesto calls for simplification of planning processes and systematic development of electricity and heat grids.

The industry manifesto shows that clean heat is not only crucial to combating climate change, but also to social justice and economic development. Creating affordable, reliable and sustainable heating systems for every household in Europe is not just an energy policy, but also a social welfare policy.