The European Consumers’ Organisation (BEUC) is concerned that MEPs will create a “loophole” in the revision of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive by approving an amendment to exempt hybrid heating systems from the potential ban on fossil fuel systems during the vote, on Thursday 9 February, in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).
“Green-lighting boilers that could run on hydrogen or biomethane in the future will only make matters worse for consumers. Our research shows that hydrogen will be far more expensive than gas is today, and it will be the most expensive option for consumers”, said Jaume Loffredo, Head of Energy Policy at BEUC, referring to a study by Global Witness.
When asked by EUROPE, a parliamentary source close to the dossier told us that the amendment was not added to favour hydrogen for heating buildings, but rather to provide options that may be “more appropriate” than heat pumps and electrification “in some Member States and regions”.
See the compromise to be voted in the ITRE Committee: https://aeur.eu/f/58b
See the Global Witness study: https://aeur.eu/f/58c (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)