Internal market for heat is essential if the EU is to meet its 2030 climate and energy targets and exit the COVID-19 crisis through sustainable investments.
Brussels, 7 April 2020 – EGEC, the voice of the European geothermal industry, calls on the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen to create a European internal market for heat in an open letter published today on EGEC’s website.
The current interpretation by the European Commission of the internal energy market gives unfair advantage to electricity and fossil gas, at the expense of renewable heat. As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought Europe’s economy almost to a standstill, we need immediate measures to create new business opportunities in the green economy. A European Internal Market for Heat is one of them.
Heat represents half of the EU’s energy consumption and about 80% of this heat energy consumption comes from fossil fuels. Fossil gas is not subjected to a carbon price. On top of this, Governments and EU institutions keep supporting fossil fuels through direct and indirect public subsidies for infrastructure, appliances and fuel consumption. This situation locks out renewable solutions for heating and cooling services and prevents their development in all Member States.
Philippe Dumas, EGEC Secretary General, said “The focus on fossil gas is not compatible with the Paris Agreement nor the European Commission efforts on climate-neutrality. The EU cannot pursue a zero-carbon policy whilst institutionalising dependence on a fossil fuel. The internal market for heat would unleash much needed investments in employment-rich renewable energy sources, while addressing the economic crisis”.
Contact:
Philippe Dumas / Secretary General / p.dumas@egec.org // +32 497 454437
Valeria Mazzagatti / Head of Communications / v.mazzagatti@egec.org // +32 486 954343
Notes to editors
Access the letter to Commission President Von der Leyen here
ABOUT EGEC – EUROPEAN GEOTHERMAL ENERGY COUNCIL
The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) is a not-for-profit organisation promoting all aspects of the geothermal industry. It was founded in 1998 to facilitate awareness and expansion of geothermal applications in Europe and worldwide by shaping policy, improving investment conditions and steering research.
Over 120 members from 28 countries, including developers, equipment manufacturers, electricity providers, national associations, consultants, research centres, geological surveys, and public authorities gives EGEC the ability to represent the entire geothermal sector.
EGEC is listed in the European Transparency Register No. 11458103335-07