COGEN Europe applauds today’s adoption by the European Parliament of a Microgeneration Resolution[1] that highlights the need to unlock the potential of small scale technologies, such as micro-cogeneration[2].
 

The Microgeneration Resolution, adopted in Strasbourg by an overwhelming majority, emphasises the necessity to act on making microgeneration technologies, including micro-cogeneration, an integral part of the EU energy system, while empowering consumers to produce their own electricity and heat.  During the debate, Ms. Judith Merkies, the Member of the European Parliament who initiated this resolution, presented small scale technologies as a “blind spot” in the European energy policy so far, despite their potential to cover a large portion of Europe’s energy needs. Representing the European Commission, Commissioner Oettinger, agreed that microgeneration shall not be disregarded, as all sources of energy are important in EU’s transition to a more secure and sustainable energy system. The debate interventions also focused on improving energy efficiency in the residential sector and the importance of promoting innovation in particular via European funds.
 

COGEN Europe and its members have been actively involved since the inception of this Resolution and view its adoption as a further step in building awareness around microgeneration technologies[3] and unleashing their contributions to EU’s energy, environmental and growth objectives. This resolution also calls Member States to take a more proactive approach in implementing the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU and in particular removing barriers to microgeneration deployment.
 

COGEN Europe Managing Director, Dr. Fiona Riddoch, stressed: “A stronger uptake of microgeneration technologies, such as micro-cogeneration, bears a massive potential in terms of job creation, GHG cuts and achieving a more prosumer-centred energy system. It is high time that Europe starts treating these technologies as enablers to the energy system of the future. ”

[1] European Parliament resolution on microgeneration - small-scale electricity and heat generation
(2012/2930(RSP)).

[2] Also known as: micro-CHP and micro-combined heat and power

[3] Please see COGEN Europe recent position paper on micro-cogeneration.