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

The EU has over 10,000 breweries, and a growing number are switching to heat pumps to produce the steam and...

16 Oct 2026

Around 270 kW of excess heat recovered from refrigeration, with no interruption to production during installat...

02 Oct 2026

In the first six months of 2026, sales of residential heat pumps rose by 11% in 12 European countries*, new...

28 Sep 2026

Publications, position papers
and joint statements:

Letting consumers choose when they use electricity – offering cheaper rates when there are more renewabl...

07 Oct 2026

A coalition of 50 companies, NGOs and industry associations, including EHPA, is calling on EU governments to u...

06 Oct 2026

Cooling is essential to protect people’s health. Heat pumps can both heat and cool. They can also recover and ...

31 Jul 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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