CT3: Decarbonising Heating and Cooling

CT3 supports the decarbonisation of Europe’s heating and cooling sector by promoting renewable energy, electrification, energy system integration, and innovation. It focuses on accelerating the deployment of renewable heating and cooling solutions, including heat pumps, renewable district heating and cooling networks, thermal storage, geothermal energy, and the use of waste (excess) heat and cold.

Aligned with the Clean Industrial Deal, CT3 aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, improve affordability for households and businesses, and support the development of sustainable heating and cooling value chains. The initiative addresses policy, regulatory, administrative, financial, and non-financial barriers to market uptake and implementation.

CT3 covers key provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), including renewable energy integration in buildings, heating and cooling, district heating and cooling systems, information and training, permitting procedures for heat pumps, and selected industry-related aspects. It also supports methodologies for calculating renewable heating and cooling shares and accounting for renewable and waste heat contributions.

A strong focus is placed on ensuring coherence between the Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and relevant provisions of the Governance Regulation. Collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Eurostat, and related Concerted Actions will help promote integrated planning, reporting, and implementation across the heating and cooling sector.

Through knowledge exchange and cooperation among Member States, CT3 contributes to achieving the EU’s energy and climate objectives while fostering a more resilient, efficient, and renewable-based heating and cooling system.