Energy poverty is a widespread problem across Europe, as between 50 and 125 million people are unable to afford proper indoor thermal comfort. This is due to a mix of energy inefficient buildings and appliances, high energy expenses and low incomes. But energy poverty is also related to the energy sources used in buildings.
Installing renewables systems – such as geothermal heat pumps and geothermal district heating & cooling – could greatly contribute to tackle this serious issue. The reasons are multiple. Renewables technologies for heating and cooling have low operational costs in the long run. They improve air quality and cut pollution coming from fossil sources. They are secure as they do not have to be imported from third countries. They are available all year around.
This webinar explored which policies and financial mechanisms could support the transition to these renewable technologies in buildings. It also presented some concrete examples of how geothermal systems can reduce energy poverty, with a special focus on “Coal Regions”.
Read more on www.egec.org
