Press release - January 26, 2006
Brussels, Belgium — The European Parliament’s Energy Committee today recommended that the Commission set guidelines for
mandatory national targets for the share of renewable energies in the heating and cooling sector, with the aim of at least doubling their contribution (currently approximately 10%). The entire European Parliament will vote on the issue at its plenary session in March.
Frauke Thies of Greenpeace European Unit said:
"Greenpeace would encourage the Parliament to show its determination to tackle climate change and put a real figure on the targets proposed today, to help us shift away from using fossil fuels to heat our homes, offices and factories. We have shown that a share of at least 25% by 2020 is economically and technically feasible. The Commission can ensure that this potential is realised by delivering without delay a proposal that reflects such mandatory targets."
Facts:
- The heating / cooling sector consumes 49% of energy in the EU, or as much as transport and electricity combined. Most of this comes from fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal).
- Unlike the transport and electricity sectors, there are currently no targets for the share of renewables in heating and cooling.
- The Commission has announced that it intends to propose legislation in this area, but has not specified a timeline.
- The current EU target for the share of renewable energies in its total (primary) energy is 12% by 2010.
- There is enormous potential to replace fossil fuels in heating and cooling, for example by using solar collectors, biomass, biogas and geothermal energy, using the heat of the Earth's crust.
Other contacts:
Frauke Thies, Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace European Unit, tel +32 2274 1912, mobile +32 477 790 415
Katharine Mill, Media Officer, Greenpeace European Unit, tel +32 2274 1903, mobile +32 496 156 229
Notes:
1. A Greenpeace scenario of future EU energy needs by 2050 shows that renewables can provide more than 25% of energy
for this sector by 2020, if combined with energy efficiency measures such as better insulation of buildings or combined heat and power generation.
Download here: http://eu.greenpeace.org/downloads/energy/EU25scenario2050.pdf
2. The Committee on Industry, Research and Technology (ITRE) voted today on a draft report with recommendations to the Commission on heating and cooling from renewable sources of energy (2005/2122(INI)), Rapporteur: Mechthild Rothe (PSE)