The Cool Heating Coalition has submitted two position papers to the European Commission’s ongoing consultations on the Electrification Action Plan (EAP) and the Heating and Cooling Strategy (H&C Strategy) — two landmark policy initiatives that will shape the EU’s approach to clean, affordable energy for decades to come.
Heating and cooling account for around half of the EU’s total energy consumption, and most of that still depends on fossil fuels. As Europe works to meet its 2040 and 2050 climate goals, decisions taken through these consultations will be central to ensuring the transition is fast, fair, and affordable for all citizens.
Accelerating electrification for a more efficient energy system
In its submission to the Electrification Action Plan, the Cool Heating Coalition calls for a faster and more equitable shift to non-combustion solutions such as heat pumps, solar thermal, and geothermal energy. The paper highlights that burning fuels for heating is a sign of an outdated, inefficient system and urges policymakers to make clean electrification a defining feature of a modern, competitive Europe.
The Coalition recommends six key actions: embedding electrification in a broader systems perspective, correcting the electricity-to-gas price ratio, protecting vulnerable households from fossil fuel lock-in, accelerating demand reduction through efficiency, linking the EAP to the post-2030 framework, and ruling out false solutions.
According to the Coalition’s analysis, aligning prices and incentives with efficiency could cut household bills, improve public health, and reduce Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels — all while supporting the EU’s emissions targets.
A strategy to decarbonise heating and cooling by 2040
The Heating and Cooling Strategy consultation focuses on long-term measures to decarbonise Europe’s building stock and industry. The Cool Heating Coalition’s submission outlines a clear pathway to reach fully renewable heating and cooling by 2040, including technology-specific roadmaps for heat pumps, district heating, solar thermal, aquathermal and geothermal systems.
Key recommendations include closing the financing gap for clean technologies, correcting distorted energy price structures, supporting zero-upfront business models, and ensuring that policies protect low-income households. The Coalition also calls for a not-for-profit model for district heating to safeguard affordability, and for the exclusion of hydrogen and unsustainable biomass as heating fuels.
The submission further highlights the importance of citizen participation and local energy communities in driving the transition, supported by adequate training for installers and clearer communication to counter misinformation.
Building a fair and fossil-free future
Both contributions underline a shared vision: a decarbonised, renewable and affordable heating and cooling system that strengthens energy security, improves health, and ensures no one is left behind.
The Cool Heating Coalition stands ready to support EU institutions and Member States in implementing these strategies helping Europe move towards a resilient, efficient and fossil-free energy future.