The Fit for 55 Package published today, features increased targets and sub-targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy and emission reductions, which aims to deliver a fair, competitive and green transition by 2030 and beyond. While sending the right signals for higher ambition, the proposals fall short of providing a comprehensive roadmap of measures to support the cost-effective achievement of targets. Despite the increased focus on mainstreaming energy efficiency first, gaps remain in reinforcing system efficiency, supply side efficiency and security of supply at the lowest cost and lowest carbon for both consumers and the economy as a whole.

Published today, the European Commission’s proposal for a Fit for 2030 Package aims to mobilise all sectors of the economy to contribute towards at least 55% greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. COGEN Europe welcomes the legislative package as a basis for further discussion on the right measures to trigger the cost-effective achievement of higher ambition across the European Union (EU). Gaps remain in terms of appropriate instruments to foster the availability and affordability of renewable energy for all consumers, incentivise the efficient uptake of low-carbon and renewable energy sources, as well as to promote security of supply through efficient system integration at local level.

Commenting on the Fit for 55 proposals, Hans Korteweg, COGEN Europe Managing Director, said: “Climate change is maybe the largest challenge we will have to tackle. To increase ambition at the lowest cost for European citizens, SMEs and industry, we need all clean energy solutions working together for increased system integration at local level and efficient uptake of low-carbon and renewable energy sources. To be effective, the Fit for 55 Package must not cherry pick which efficient or renewable solutions should be promoted or available to consumers.”

The cogeneration sector is committed to the creation of a resilient, decentralised, integrated and carbon neutral European energy system by 2050 with cogeneration as its backbone, empowering European citizens and industry to generate their own efficient, reliable and affordable clean heat and power locally. By 2030, there is a cost-effective potential for cogeneration to deliver 20% of electricity and 25% of heat in Europe in a highly efficient way using a range of increasingly renewable and low-carbon energy sources. Realising this potential could further reduce total inland energy consumption by 870TWh and additionally reduce CO₂ emissions by 350 Mt in 2030, equivalent to approximately 14% of the 55% 2030 climate target.

Hans Korteweg further commented: “Cogeneration is a future proof, renewables-ready efficiency solution, which will enable an increasingly electrified, renewable and resilient energy system on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050. The Fit for 55 Package should not miss the opportunity to unlock the multiple benefits of cogeneration for 2030 and beyond. This can be achieved by complementing ambitious targets with a broad range of implementing measures, recognising the role of cogeneration in district heating, industry and buildings, as well as for reducing system costs and supporting security of supply.“