Photo: Daikin
The heat pump industry is growing fast, as shown by the record attendance this week at EHPA’s General Assembly.
The industry is committed to decarbonising heating and cooling in Europe. Over €5 billion of new heat pump investments are planned for 2022 – 2025 alone!
One of the key measures to secure further investments in our industry in Europe is the need for long term policy clarity, as stated in the recently launched EU Heat Pump Accelerator.
In that context, the European Heat Pump Association wrote to the European Commission to express our strong support for the Ecodesign measures the Commission is currently proposing for heating appliances. This includes 2029 as an end date for stand-alone fossil fuel boilers being placed on the market.
On 12 June, the Commission will hold a consultation meeting on its proposal. Participants include industry representatives – including EHPA – and Member States.
Decarbonising heating is a cornerstone of REPowerEU and the Climate law. Using a market-based mechanism like setting minimum requirements via Ecodesign that can be met by manufacturers through several technology options is the right thing to do.
Europe is beginning to soar towards its clean heat future. Questioning the very foundation of the transition will clip its wings, creating investor uncertainty, jeopardising investments and risking hundreds of thousands of jobs.
In the current competition for investments, Europe needs a calm hand and reliable policy. It needs an industrial policy that is based on product regulation backed by financial support and a simplification of administrative procedures. Uncertainty will force investors to make plans outside Europe.