An affordable, efficient, and technically feasible decarbonization of residential heating – Position paper
15 May 2025
This position paper addresses the decarbonization of residential heating in Europe, emphasizing that an exclusive focus on electrification through heat pumps is neither affordable nor technically feasible for all households. While heat pumps offer environmental benefits, their high upfront costs, installation challenges in existing buildings, and long implementation timelines make them unsuitable as a one-size-fits-all solution.
The paper argues that a diverse mix of technologies—including renewable and low-carbon gas systems—is essential to ensure an efficient, socially equitable, and resilient energy transition. Gas appliances, particularly when powered by biomethane or hydrogen, are ready for immediate deployment using existing infrastructure and can offer quick, cost-effective emissions reductions.
A mixed-technology approach would also relieve pressure on electricity grids, which face growing congestion and infrastructure costs. The paper calls for regulatory neutrality, urging policymakers to assess all technologies based on their actual carbon footprint and system-wide impacts, rather than promoting a single pathway. Maintaining consumer choice, ensuring affordability, and tailoring solutions to local conditions are key to meeting the EU’s climate targets without compromising energy security or social acceptance.
