Affordable and clean heating for all? Winter workshop and debate on an inclusive heat transition

Introduction

Heating represents nearly two-thirds of households' energy consumption in the EU, while 75 percent of European buildings are inefficient. An important share of European households rely on solid fuel heating such as coal and biomass. Solid fuel heating is predominant among the lowest-income groups in many EU member states. A transition to decarbonised and clean heating systems and the reduction of energy needs of buildings are key policy measures of the green transition. They provide a historic opportunity to lift households out of energy poverty and provide affordable and clean energy. At the same time, the renovation of the unfit housing stock and the switch to clean heating sources represent a key social challenge in terms of funding, engagement, and technology and guarantees are necessary not to leave anyone behind. 2023 was a significant year for the transition as multiple EU legislative files have been accepted or updated or are on their way to being updated.

Objective

This event aims to explore the opportunities and challenges of solid fuel users living in the worst-performing stock in light of the policy developments in 2023 in the form of a high-level panel discussion. Three cases of selected vulnerable communities relying on solid fuels will be presented at the event and clean heat transition trajectories will also be developed for them by social, technical, policy, and financial experts in the format of a workshop.

Participants

The event will bring together EU policymakers, relevant EU stakeholders (financial experts, green and social NGOs, the heating industry), and practitioners working with solid fuel user households.

If you would like to attend, please register before the 30th November. 

For more information and detailed agenda, see the complete programme.