14 April 2026, Brussels – A new support project for the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC-ETIP), representing a broad coalition of stakeholders across biomass, geothermal, solar thermal, heat pumps, district heating and cooling, and thermal storage, officially launched in March 2026. Funded by the European Union, this two-year project aims to bolster the platform’s efforts and advocate for a concrete, targeted, and forward-looking strategy to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable heating and cooling across Europe by 2050.
Supporting the SET Plan
The secretariat, led by EUREC, Solar Heat Europe, EGEC Geothermal, Euroheat&Power, European Heat Pump Association and WIP Renewable Energies, plays a pivotal role in supporting the RHC-ETIP, by organising meetings, events, and consultations, as well as in the preparation of technical and policy documents. This work raises the profile and importance of the renewable heating and cooling sector and its related technologies, while also serving as a link between the RHC-ETIP and the European Commission.
Since 2009, the Secretariat has provided strategic input to the SET Plan and remains actively engaged in its ongoing revamp and governance restructuring. It continues to support the SET Plan through the update of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).
Innovation: key to accelerating RHC deployment
The RHC sector is central to the European Union’s efforts to address the energy crisis and fight climate change. Accounting for nearly half of the EU’s energy use, this sector has seen steady progress in shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. While some EU countries like Sweden and Finland now source most of their heating and cooling from renewables, others still lag far behind. By expanding renewable heating and cooling, the EU can strengthen its energy independence and move closer to climate neutrality by 2050.
In its response to the Heating and Cooling Strategy consultation, RHC-ETIP underscored the need to foster research and development, facilitate market uptake, and integrate innovative solutions into national and regional planning. It also highlighted the importance of supporting local heating and cooling strategies, reporting, planning, and infrastructure development for Member States.
Knowledge exchange: empowering local actors and communities
The RHC-ETIP supports the renewable heating and cooling sector in enhancing its competitiveness, both compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies and within the broader renewable energy landscape. The platform brings together individuals who share the RHC-ETIP’s vision and objectives. Experts from industry, research organisations, public authorities and civil society are invited to become a member and participate in its horizontal working groups and technology panels.
Marco Calderoni (R2M Solution), Chair of RHC-ETIP Board, commented: “In my role of RHC-ETIP Chairman, I welcome the renewed support from the experienced team led by EUREC. In the current context, marked by uncertainty in fossil fuel supply and the ongoing revision of the heating and cooling strategy, continuity is essential for our platform.”
