Joint Statement: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Energy Transition of Heating
Read the full joint statement here.
As the European Commission prepares its forthcoming Heating and Cooling Strategy, Eurogas and 9 organisations representing renewable fuel producers, suppliers and users wish to underline a fundamental principle: achieving a climate-neutral, secure and affordable heating system requires all sustainable energy solutions.
To meet the diverse heating needs of households, businesses, farms and industries, the EU should avoid over-reliance on a single energy vector. Renewable molecules – including renewable fuels as defined in the Renewable Energy Directive – must therefore be recognised as an essential and complementary part of Europe’s energy future.
We call on the European institutions to fully leverage the contribution of renewable molecules, including renewable heating fuels, in the upcoming Heating and Cooling Strategy and the post-2030 climate and energy framework.
- Recognise renewable fuels for heating alongside electrification as essential components of a resilient, affordable and climate-neutral heating system.
- Establish effective and technology-neutral policy mechanisms that create long-term demand for renewable fuels for heating and provide investment certainty for producers, suppliers and consumers.
- Support as broad a range of sustainable feedstock as possible by leveraging existing sustainability certification frameworks to ensure robust safeguards while enhancing their practical workability.
- Ensure that future heating and cooling policies value emissions reductions achieved through all sustainable renewable energy carriers and technologies, allowing consumers and businesses to choose the most appropriate decarbonisation pathway for their circumstances.
- Ensure a cost-effective transition that avoids disproportionate burden on vulnerable and rural consumers, supported by a gradual ramp-up in line with the availability of sustainable renewable fuel supply.
Download the full joint statement below.
