A clear, unambiguous, and ambitious definition for all fossil fuels-related provisions is needed under the EU's EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). Our position paper gives guidance on phasing out financial incentives for stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels under the epbd.
On 12 April, the Council of the European Union approved the revised directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD). As a next step, the European Commission will issue guidance on what qualifies as fossil fuel boilers. We call for a clear, unambiguous, and ambitious definition of fossil fuel heating in buildings to help the EU achieve its energy and climate goals in the built environment. Read the position paper for more details.
Home gas leaks more than doubled, on average, when best-selling models of cooking hobs were supplied with hydrogen blended with fossil gas under normal household conditions, compared to tests using fossil gas only. The same test on household boilers saw leaks rise by an average of 20%. Have we finally reached the end of the road for the hype of hydrogen in our homes? Read on to find out why hydrogen for domestic use is a dead end.
Home gas leaks more than doubled, on average, when best-selling models of cooking hobs were supplied with hydrogen blended with fossil gas under normal household conditions, compared to tests using fossil gas only. The same test on household boilers saw leaks rise by an average of 20%. Have we finally reached the end of the road for the hype of hydrogen in our homes? Read on to find out why hydrogen for domestic use is a dead end.
Heating and cooling accounts for a staggering 80% of energy used in EU households – with 75% of that coming from fossil fuels. This pollutes as much as all the cars in the EU combined. There are solutions at our fingertips, but policymakers must step up and deliver on climate targets. Here’s how.
EU legislators suggested an end of fossil heating subsidies by 2025, targets to renovate EU’s building stock, and a reduction of buildings’ carbon footprint. However, the law leaves much leeway when it comes to national implementation, jeopardising its own social and environmental goals.
Industry & NGO joint statement in support of a phase-out of fossil fuel boilers and a switch to clean heating. Industry organisations and NGOs (EHPA, EPEE, ECOS and the EEB) call for fossil fuel boilers to be phased out via EU product policy and for renewable heating to be made the norm. This will help deliver the REPowerEU goals and the EU Save Energy Plan. Read our joint statement.
Member States and other stakeholders meet today to debate ecodesign rules for ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers. Raising energy efficiency requirements for heating appliances could effectively phase out fossil fuel operated boilers, since they are significantly less efficient than other solutions, like electric heat pumps. If the EU wants to respect its legal commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and mitigate the current energy crisis, the moment to act is now.
Phase out of ‘stand-alone’ fossil fuel boilers via EU product policy: a chance to make renewable heating the norm, decrease Europe’s energy dependence, and mitigate energy crises. Read our joint letter to national energy and environment ministries, and EU Member State representatives of the Ecodesign Consultation Forum.
The research is crystal clear: hydrogen should not be used to heat homes. It is time for us to leave behind the hype of hydrogen and focus on other more realistic – and immediately available – solutions that are both climate- and consumer-friendly. Find out more in our new report!
ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
