Regulations for heating and cooling efficiency

21.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000259-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Rolandas Paksas (EFDD)

About 50% of final energy consumption in Europe is used for the heating needs of buildings, domestic hot water production and heating in industrial process. 84% of energy for heating and cooling is still generated from fossil fuels, while only 16% is generated from renewable sources.

Cooling has become a major factor in energy consumption, especially in the food industry, where consumption rises during the summer months. An energy efficient and sustainable heating and cooling sector has the potential to boost security of energy supply, reduce energy bills, protect the climate, integrate renewable energy sources and reduce CO₂ emissions.

1. How will the Commission develop the energy vectors, such as heat pumps, and the multi-energy system perspective for heating/cooling and electricity, for example in the case of combined power plants that produce heat in combination with electricity?

2. What is the Commission’s approach towards using renewables, such as solar or geothermal energy, for heating and cooling (RES-H&C) and optimising consumption in buildings?

3. How is thermal energy storage, including for both heating and cooling, going to be implemented according to the EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling?