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Electricity versus gas prices: what’s the picture for industry?

Electricity versus gas prices: what’s the picture for industry?

06 Feb 2025

Industry electricity to gas price ratio - first half 2024
Industry electricity to gas price ratio - first half 2024. EHPA with Eurostat figures.

All heat pumps are amazingly energy efficient. The electricity price can be twice as high as the price of gas, and an electric heat pump will still cost less to run than fossil fuels. But in some places, electricity costs three or even four times more than gas.

This issue is similar for industry, where large heat pumps get up to 200°C and are being used in sectors like food and drink, paper and pulp. In many countries, electricity costs are several times more than those of gas for non-residential use.

To make large heat pumps the ideal choice for industrial processes from a financial point of view, the price of electricity should be no more than twice that of gas.

EHPA is calling for an EU level approach to taxation which reduces the overall electricity costs for industries looking to electrify, making them more competitive in the global market. At both national and European level, the balance of electricity costs, levies, charges and grid investment should all be
designed to increase electrification. Europe should provide EU governments with guidance on best practices regarding levies and on which budget to put them in.

Industrial electricity to gas price ratio for H1 of 2024. Visual by EHPA, data from Eurostat
Industrial electricity to gas price ratio for first half 2024. Visual by EHPA, data from Eurostat

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