Feedback on the Revision of the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy
Bioenergy Europe’s Position on the Revision of the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy
Bioenergy Europe welcomes the revision of the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy and stresses the importance of prioritising clean heat as a cornerstone in the energy transition. The revised Strategy is an opportunity to lay down a clear, ambitious pathway to defossilise heat and fully tackle the potential of renewable solutions like sustainable bioenergy.
Brussels, 6 October 2025 – Bioenergy Europe welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to revise the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy. Heating and cooling represent around half of Europe’s total energy demand, yet the sector remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The upcoming revision provides a critical opportunity to accelerate the transition towards renewable, affordable, and locally sourced heat.
In its feedback to the public consultation, Bioenergy Europe calls for a coherent policy framework that recognises the key role of renewable heat — and bioenergy in particular — in achieving the EU’s decarbonisation, energy security, and social objectives.
Our key asks
- Synergies between renewable heat and electrification
Policymakers should support a technology-neutral approach that enables complementarity between renewables such as bioenergy, electrification, solar thermal, and geothermal. A flexible and resilient system will be essential to meet seasonal and regional heating needs efficiently. - Replacement of outdated heating systems
The EU should set clear measures and financial instruments to accelerate the replacement of old and inefficient fossil-fuel heating systems. Incentives must prioritise renewable and high-efficiency solutions that are accessible to all consumers, including those in rural areas. - Defossilise heat and end fossil fuel dependency
A gradual phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies is necessary to create a level playing field. The revised strategy should integrate full life-cycle emissions assessments and promote a realistic, scalable pathway to renewable heat deployment. - Unlock financing and tackle energy poverty
Redirecting financial flows from fossil-based to renewable heating is key to achieving both decarbonisation and affordability. Dedicated support must address energy poverty and ensure all citizens benefit from the transition to clean and secure heating.
By strengthening the role of renewable heat in the EU’s energy mix, the revised strategy can deliver tangible progress on climate targets while enhancing Europe’s energy independence and competitiveness.
