Yesterday (7 December), the European Union took a significant step towards its energy goals with the closure of a crucial file: the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The legislation, with a larger scope and stronger measures, will boost the energy performance of buildings and will help save important amounts of energy, most of which is today supplied by fossil fuels.

More specifically, the deal will help the EU gradually phase out boilers powered by fossil fuels, enabling hydrogen-based heating solutions to contribute to this important objective.

It also recognises the possibility of renewable hydrogen to be transported via grids tailored to local conditions, albeit as a last resort measure.

The provisional agreement now needs to be endorsed and formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. Once this process is completed, the new legislation will be published in the Official Journal of the Union and enter into force.

For more information:

Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules to boost energy performance of buildings across the EU

‘Fit for 55’: Council and Parliament reach deal on proposal to revise energy performance of buildings directive