Today, a coalition of 20 organisations, including industry associations, NGOs, consumer groups, and think tanks issued an urgent call to European Commission President von der Leyen.
The unexpected delay in publishing the Heat Pump Action Plan, originally set for the first quarter of 2024 and now postponed until after the EU elections, threatens Europe’s energy transition, they warn.
With heating and cooling contributing to 38% of Europe’s CO2 emissions, heat pumps will play a critical role in achieving climate neutrality and, therefore, in shaping the net-zero economy – leading to jobs and investments.
Jozefien Vanbecelaere, Head of EU Affairs at the European Heat Pump Association said:
“The heat pump sector needs more stable policies to boost the shift from fossil fuels and energy imports to clean heat and energy independence. Pushing back the Plan that can deliver is a mistake. We call on the Commission to publish today so Europe gets back on track.”
Many of the signatory organisations contributed to an ‘accelerator’ document, outlining strategies to expedite heat pump rollout, which was presented to EU Energy Commissioner Simson in June 2023, and to the European Commission’s public consultation on the plan.
Delaying the publication of the Heat Pump Action Plan – despite significant progress and the pressing need to revitalise slowing heat pump sales – risks breaking momentum and undermines long-term policy clarity necessary to reassure consumers, the sector, and all segments of society, including the most vulnerable.
Read the letter:
Cover Photo: Flickr / European Parliament
Updated on 31 January 2024
