Europe recognises heat pumps as renewable energy technology
On the 17th December 2008, the European Parliment’s Plenary Session adopted with an overwhelming majority of 635 votes the compromise agreement on the new EU Directive for the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources.
Space Air has been actively involved with the HPA in arguing the case for aerothermal and hydrothermal energy and believes this important and ground breaking decision will lead to wider recognition of the cost effective environmental benefits that can be achieved, particularly through the specification and use of air source air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps in both commercial and residential applications.
- The EU definition of Renewable Energy Sources was expanded to include aerothermal and hydrothermal energy.
- For the first time under EU legislation, heat pumps are now recognised as a renewable energy technology, alongside wind turbines and solar panels.
- It was also agreed that Member States shall strengthen their national renewable action plans.