Brussels, November 2025
The forthcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy presents a vital opportunity to accelerate Europe’s transition toward a resilient, efficient and technology-neutral energy system. The European Renewable Gas Registry (ERGaR), as member of the European Net Zero Alliance (ENZA) shares the notion that achieving meaningful emissions reductions requires a multi-energy, multi-technology and multi-sector approach that supports all viable clean solutions adapted to local needs. This includes the integration of district heating, waste heat, heat pumps, cogeneration, renewable electricity and renewable and low-carbon gases within a coherent framework that prioritises consumer protection, affordability, system efficiency and flexibility. By encouraging local optimisation, strengthening infrastructure planning and promoting EU-made clean technologies, the document provides a strong foundation for a balanced strategy capable of delivering decarbonisation across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
As ERGaR, we believe that the joint statement is moving in the right direction because:
- It is necessary to support the deployment of locally optimal renewable heating and cooling solutions, including renewable gases such as biomethane, which play a key role in a diversified, consumer-centred transition.
- We should strive for the recognition of the complementary role of renewable gases—such as biomethane and renewable hydrogen— as essential means of decarbonising district heating and reducing emissions, in line with the paper’s call for a multi-energy approach.
- We agree that district heating and cooling networks must be integrated with renewable energy sources, and that this requires stable and effective national support schemes to facilitate investment and deployment.
- It is vital for Member States to set clear targets for renewable energy deployment, ensuring consistency with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and providing the certainty needed for long-term planning and cross-border cooperation.
In conclusion, ENZA’s recommendations offer a coherent and actionable framework for decarbonising heating and cooling while maintaining technological openness and local flexibility. ERGaR is aligned with this vision, particularly where it recognises the indispensable role of renewable gases in an integrated energy system. By ensuring strong national support schemes, setting firm renewable targets under RED, and enabling renewable gases to contribute effectively to district heating and cooling solutions, Europe can accelerate progress toward climate neutrality while strengthening energy security and affordability for all regions.
You can find the full letter here.