16 April 2026
As the European Commission begins work on a post-2030 renewable energy framework to keep the EU on track to meet its climate goals, Energy Efficiency for Europe has outlined a number of priorities to help ensure that renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency and energy security continue to reinforce one another.
A key consideration is maintaining regulatory stability whilst fully implementing the Fit for 55 package. Many of the provisions introduced under the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) are still being transposed and implemented across Member States. Energy Efficiency for Europe therefore argues that the priority should be ensuring full delivery of the existing framework, including a rigorous assessment of recently introduced measures, before pursuing broader structural changes.
At the same time, the federation stresses that renewable energy policy cannot be developed in isolation from energy efficiency policy. Reducing energy demand, improving system efficiency and integrating the Energy Efficiency First (EE1) principle across decision-making are essential to delivering a cost-effective and resilient energy transition. In this context, Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Energy Performance Contracts (EnPCs) can play a vital role in supporting renewable energy uptake whilst improving flexibility and security across the energy system.
Another important priority is increasing support for waste heat recovery and district-level approaches to heating and cooling. Already recognised under the revised Renewable Energy Directive, waste heat represents a significant and under-utilised resource that can help decarbonise buildings, industry and district heating networks. Further development of Efficient District Heating and Cooling (EDHC) systems will be essential to capturing this potential whilst supporting energy affordability and security, as well as long-term climate progress.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the post-2030 renewable energy framework will depend not only on expanding renewable energy deployment, but also on ensuring that energy efficiency, waste heat recovery and local heating and cooling solutions are fully integrated into the wider energy transition.