EU Heating and Cooling Systems Drive Air Pollution, Urgent Action Needed

Heating and cooling systems are major contributors to EU air pollution, with the residential sector responsible for 85% of PM2.5 and 76% of CO emissions, according to a new JRC report. Despite progress, fossil fuels and biomass still dominate 97% of heat production, while heat pumps—a clean alternative—account for only 3.7% of energy use.

The EU’s 2030 air quality targets require Member States to accelerate clean energy adoption. While some countries like Denmark and Sweden lead with ambitious renewable energy goals, 12 Member States fall short of meeting new standards.

The report highlights the need for stricter emission limits, increased heat pump adoption, and expanded district heating systems, aligning with updated EU policies like the Renewable Energy Directive and the Net Zero Industry Act.

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Source: EU Science Hub