Electrification will be key to phasing out fossil fuels, but it will only be effective if it goes hand in hand with renewable energy, energy efficiency and policies that support clean technologies.
The report 'Making electrification work: Renewables and efficiency – EU energy transition essentials', published by the Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS), examines the measures the European Union can take to make electrification an effective component of the energy transition.
The report argues that electrification must be accompanied by a greater share of renewable energy, the application of the Energy Efficiency First principle, and the development of demand-side flexibility. Among its recommendations are the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as well as updating ecodesign and energy labelling requirements.
Concerning buildings, the report also calls for accelerating the deployment of heat pumps, promoting district heating, solar thermal technologies and building renovation where needed. It also notes that rising temperatures will increase demand for cooling and therefore recommends promoting passive cooling solutions and more energy-efficient cooling equipment to help reduce energy consumption.
