Electrification for energy sovereignty

Heating and cooling traditionally relied on fossil fuels, much of which was imported.

However, heat pumps use electricity and recovered heat, meaning they run on homegrown energy. This shields Europe from volatile fuel markets and unreliable supply.

Meeting the EU’s target to increase heat pump sales to 4 million per year by 2030 would ease consumers’ bills and cut residential energy use by at least 16%, according to the European Commission.

EHPA currently chairs the Electrification Alliance, a coalition of ten European associations working to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition through electrification.

 

Scaling up electrification reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthens Europe’s security, competitiveness and resilience.

What should EU policymakers do?

1
Recognise heat pumps as a strategic energy security technology across buildings, industry and district heating
2
Prioritise heat pump deployment in energy security and resilience strategies
3
Ensure EU funding and policy frameworks support rapid electrification of heating and cooling as a core pillar of Europe’s security

Discover our latest numbers, analysis and market report:

Policy news

Gas is several times cheaper than electricity in much of the EU. This is mainly due to differences in taxes...

04 Nov 2026

Heat pumps should get a dedicated programme within the EU’s next big research budget, EHPA argues. The EU is d...

30 Oct 2026

The smell of beets, the noise of heavy machinery, the sight of steam swirling into the sky. Part of the...

28 Oct 2026

Publications, position papers
and joint statements:

Heat pumps should get a dedicated programme within the EU’s next big research budget, EHPA argues. The EU is d...

30 Oct 2026

In a joint letter to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and EU energy ministers, EHPA, smartEn,...

28 Oct 2026

How can the EU accelerate heat pump deployment? As the European Commission explores a ‘clean heat market...

27 Oct 2026

EU Projects

EHPA’s policy work on energy sovereignty is also supported by our EU-funded projects.

Questions? Get in touch.

Policy
Saverio Papa
Saverio Papa
Head of Energy Policy
Communications
Photo: Tim Buelens
Daniela Floris
Communications Officer

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