EPBD

Geothermal heating, cooling, permanent electricity supply, underground thermal storage and sustainable lithium extraction are critical contributors to energy efficiency improvements and the achievement of the EU’s 2030 and 2050 targets for energy efficiency and climate change mitigation.

Brussels, 15 December 2021 – Today the European Commission has released its proposals for establishing a new EU framework to decarbonise gas markets, promote hydrogen and reduce methane emissions.

Geothermal heat pumps are a proven technology to deliver renewable heating and cooling. A recent IEA study also highlight their cost-competitiveness compared to fossil gas boilers, mainstreaming an argument long put forward by the geothermal industry that on a life cycle basis they are an extremely cost-efficient solution.

The EPBD revision should apply the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle in a way that stimulates integrated renovations aiming at highly energy efficient, renewable-based and flexible buildings integrated in the increasingly variable energy system. The entire building stock should become capable of adjusting their very low energy consumption, their on-site renewable generation and their energy storage potential in response to external signals. This holistic approachto the implementation of the EE1st principle leads to multiple benefits such as emissions reductions, grid optimisation and system efficiency. It also delivers tangible benefits to citizens, including the most vulnerable ones, strengthens the EU’s clean energy industrial leadership, boosts local job creation and economic recovery.   Download the full joint letter

EGEC submitted its reply to the EPBD public consultation, emphasizing the importance to put renewable energy systems such as geothermal at the core of the EU’s building policies, and to align from 2021 onwards the EU’s building provisions with the objective of decarbonisation of the building sector.