Decarbonising heating and cooling in the EU: an analysis of national energy and climate plans

As the EU races to meet its 2030 climate goals, National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) are the backbone of strategic energy planning across Member States. But how well do these plans address the urgent need to decarbonise heating and cooling, a sector still heavily reliant on fossil fuels?

Member States were required to submit final updated NECPs by 30 June 2024, but only a few met the deadline. By the end of the year, 18 of the 27 Member States had submitted updates. Which of those countries’ NECPs have a clear strategy, with supported policies and dedicated funding for decarbonising heating and cooling? How many are on track to meet the heating and cooling targets set by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED 3)? And where should issues such as energy poverty be tackled first to ensure a just clean heating and cooling transition?

Join us for the launch of the Cool Heating Coalition’s latest report, authored by INFORSE, analysing updated NECPs from 17 EU countries, covering 85% of the EU population. The webinar will explore how national plans measure up in terms of greenhouse gas reductions, renewable energy uptake (including ambient heat and heat pump technologies) and what gaps remain.

Key takeaways will include:

• Insights from comparative analysis of the 2024/2025 NECP submissions
• Country-level assessments done in partnership with civil society experts
• What policymakers, NGOs, and industry need to know to drive effective implementation

This is a timely opportunity to understand how national planning aligns with the EU’s heating and cooling ambitions, and what that means for your work.

Agenda and speakers

Welcome and introductions – Delia Villagrasa, Director of the Cool Heating Coalition

Presentation of “Decarbonising heating and cooling in the EU: an analysis of national energy and climate plans” – Gunnar Boye Olesen, Coordinator at INFORSE Europe and report co-author

Reaction to the report findings and panel discussion:

Madis Laaniste, Policy Officer, European Commission, Directorate-General Energy

Giulia Nardi, Climate and Energy Project Coordinator at CAN Europe

Emil Martini, Policy and Markets Adviser, EGEC (representing the REDI4HEAT project)

Moderated by Tom Vasseur, Senior Policy Officer, Cool Heating Coalition.