Problematic environmental footprint of heat pumps
13.11.2024
Question for written answer E-002528/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Barbara Bonte (PfE)
Postgraduate research conducted by Yanaika Decorte and Professor Nathan Van Den Bossche at the University of Ghent shows that the full environmental footprint of a heat pump is as large as that of a modern gas-fired boiler.
The study shows that replacing a well-functioning condensing boiler with a heat pump makes no sense. A heat pump requires far more materials – including valuable and rare metals – than a condensing boiler.
This research therefore undercuts the Commission’s claim that heat pumps are crucial to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and REPowerEU.
In addition, the roll-out of heat pumps burdens end users with sky-high purchase and installation costs as well as electricity bills that are almost unaffordable.
- 1.What concrete results has the partnership between the Commission and the heat pump sector yielded on improving the environmental footprint, affordability and energy efficiency of heat pumps?
- 2.What is the outcome of the Commission’s research on the environmental footprint of wind turbines and electric cars?
- 3.How does the Commission plan to evaluate and rectify this ill-considered policy?
Submitted: 13.11.2024