The EU’s energy security is increasingly dependent on renewable energy sources. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the importance of energy security is underscored. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in strengthening energy security and diversifying energy sources. The share of renewable energy in heating and cooling has been rising across Europe, but the pace is doubtful, with several countries, particularly the largest economies, unlikely to meet the EU’s 2030 targets.
The Share of Renewable Energy in Heating and Cooling
The share of renewable energy in heating and cooling reached 26.2 per cent in the EU in 2023, closely mirroring the proportion of renewables in the bloc’s total energy use. However, this share varies significantly across Europe, ranging from 8 per cent in Ireland to 84 per cent in Iceland. Among EU members, Sweden and Estonia reported the highest shares, both at 67 per cent.
Why the Differences in Renewable Energy Use for Heating and Cooling?
Several factors explain the differences in renewable energy use for heating and cooling, according to Professor Pawel Oclon of Cracow University of Technology in Poland. These include climate conditions, resource availability, and the state of energy infrastructure. Nations with existing fossil fuel systems face tougher transitions. Policy support, investment costs, and urban space also influence progress.
- Climate conditions: Countries with favorable climate conditions for renewable energy sources tend to have higher shares of renewables.
- Resource availability: Access to renewable energy resources, such as solar and geothermal energy, influences the share of renewables.
- Energy infrastructure: The state of energy infrastructure, including district heating systems, affects the use of renewable energy for heating and cooling.
Nordic and Baltic Countries Dominate the Top
Nordic countries, except for Norway, and the Baltic states lead Europe in the use of renewable energy for heating and cooling. All reported shares of 54 per cent or higher, more than double the EU average of 26 per cent. Rana Adib, executive director of REN21, attributes this success to advanced district heating systems, many of which run largely on renewable sources such as geothermal energy, waste heat, or biomass.
| Nordic Countries | Share of Renewable Energy |
| Sweden | 67% |
| Estonia | 67% |
Western European Economies Lag Behind
Several Western European countries, including the EU’s four largest economies, show significantly lower incorporation of renewable energy in heating and cooling. Among them, only France (30 per cent) ranked slightly above the EU average of 26 per cent, while the rest fell below. These include Italy (22 per cent), Spain (21 per cent), Germany (17 per cent), Belgium (11 per cent), and the Netherlands (10 per cent), and Ireland (8 per cent).
Barriers to Progress
Experts identify several key barriers to progress, including a lack of strong policy focus on the sector, the widespread use of gas boilers, slow development of infrastructure compatible with renewables, and inconsistent or inadequate incentives. Rana Adib of REN21 recommends targeted policy action focused on three key technologies: electric heat pumps, decarbonised district heating, and solar thermal systems.
The EU’s energy strategy is built on three core pillars: saving energy, producing clean energy, and diversifying supplies. This includes reducing dependency on Russia. Following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the share of pipeline gas from Russia in EU imports fell sharply. When combining pipeline gas and LNG, Russia accounted for less than 15 per cent of total EU gas imports.
“While this growth is noteworthy, it remains insufficient,” says Professor Pawel Oclon.
The EU’s renewable energy progress is not enough to meet the EU’s climate and energy targets. Experts emphasize the significant differences in progress among countries and recommend increased investment in research to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy system technologies, as well as targeted policy action to accelerate the deployment of renewable heating.
Is Europe’s renewable heating progress enough? The EU’s progress is noteworthy, but it remains insufficient to meet the EU’s climate and energy targets. Experts recommend increased investment in research and targeted policy action to accelerate the deployment of renewable heating.
With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the importance of energy security is underscored.
