European Parliament Calls for Renewable Heat Obligations

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50074

Yesterday, the European Parliament approved by overwhelming majority the "Thomsen Report" on the Roadmap for Renewable Energies in Europe. Crucial for the future of solar thermal: the call for the adoption in all Member States of renewable heat obligations, at least in new buildings and those undergoing major renovation.

The Thomsen report is the first comprehensive statement of the European Parliament after the European Union (EU) Heads of State agreed in the spring Council on a 20% binding target for renewable energies by 2020. The vote paves the way for the position of the Parliament on the upcoming proposal of the Commission for a Directive on Renewable Energies, due to adopt measures able to lead Europe towards reaching this target.

Until now, solar thermal was not covered by EU legislation. EU Directives are in force to promote renewables in the electricity and in the transport sector, but heating and cooling had so far been neglected. As this changed in the last years, it is now certain that the new Directive will also promote renewable heating sources.

With yesterday's vote the European Parliament asks the European Commission to ensure that “any proposal for a framework directive for renewables contains strong measures for the promotion of renewable heating and cooling.

<more>