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European Leading Association of Manufacturers of Industrial Heating Systems

Decentralized Heating

  • Use of renewable energy
  • Low Energy Use
  • Low CO₂-Emission
  • Low Investment Costs
  • Low Running Costs

Our tasks and goals

One of the main tasks of ELVHIS is to make the importance and the technological possibilities of the innovative decentralized heating in the decisive European committees of standardization, directives and regulations as well as legislation aware and to keep them aware.

Luminous radiant heater

Luminous radiant heaters emit thermal radiation in the wavelength spectrum visible to the human eye.

Tube radiant heater

Tube radiant heaters heat the space principally through infrared radiation.

Radiant strip

Air heater

Activities

You can find current examples of the diverse national and international activities in which ELVHIS represents the economic and ecological effects of decentralized heating systems here:
EPBD: Recognise sector coupling solutions to foster demand-side flexibility of buildings

Ahead of the upcoming committee vote on the EPBD revision, the signatories of this statement call on to the ITRE committee to adopt an ambitious, forward-looking, and comprehensive definition for demand-side flexibility.

Ahead of the adoption vote on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive in the ITRE Committee, we call MEPs to recognise the key role of sector coupling solutions, such as hybrid heat pumps and smart cogeneration, as part of the definition on demand-side flexibility.

Specifying system integration solutions, including hybrid heat pumps and smart cogeneration, as critical for buildings “demand side-flexibility” definition, ensures that European buildings are ready to positively contribute towards a carbon neutral, resilient and cost-effective energy system, especially as these solutions increasingly run on renewable gases, including biomass, biomethane, renewable hydrogen, waste heat, renewable LPG, etc. This is supported by multiple studies and aligned with key EU Green Deal legislation:

  • It is aligned with the European Commission’s Energy Efficiency First Guideline, which recommends that power markets set the right incentives or requirements for demand-side flexibility to compete with generation on an equal footing. This should include “support for installation of smart equipment able to respond to grid signal such as micro-cogeneration or other hybrid devices using renewable gas and electricity. Such support should typically be granted through transparent, competitive and non-discriminatory processes.1” 1 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2021/1749 of 28 September 2021 on Energy Efficiency First: from principles to practice — Guidelines and examples for its implementation in decision-making in the energy sector and beyond, page 35.
  • Hybrid heat pumps, cogeneration or combinations of both are recognised as key solutions to reduce electricity peak demand in the context of the ongoing energy crisis, as captured in the recent European Commission’s Smart Grids Task Force publication2:
  • Ensures consistency with EPBD Annex I, Paragraph 5 (b) requirement to consider the positive influence of “electricity produced by cogeneration”, along district heating, natural lighting, and local solar exposure conditions. Referring to smart cogeneration ensures that the highest efficiency controllable power source is used to cover peak demand and provide inter-seasonal firm capacity, at times of insufficient intermittent renewable power. This can be achieved at site level, via micro-cogeneration or via DHC.
  • It is complementary to the Electricity Market Design and ongoing efforts to develop a network code on demand side flexibility, while further adapting it to the buildings’ context. 2 European Commission Smart Grids Task Force, December 2022. Paper on electricity demand reduction: Measures to mobilise consumers’ flexibility this winter and beyond.

Recommendation: XXa. demand-side flexibility” means the capability of customers and smart energy appliances to react to external signals and adjust their energy generation and consumption, individually or through aggregation, with regard to time and cost, which may be provided by smart, decentralised energy resources, including demand management, energy storage, and distributed renewable generation, as well as sector coupling, such as hybrid heat pumps and smart cogeneration, to support a more reliable, sustainable and efficient energy system;

1 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2021/1749 of 28 September 2021 on Energy Efficiency First: from principles to practice — Guidelines and examples for its implementation in decision-making in the energy sector and beyond, page 35.

2 European Commission Smart Grids Task Force, December 2022. Paper on electricity demand reduction: Measures to mobilise consumers’ flexibility this winter and beyond.

ELVHIS Statement – Hydrogen for decentralized heating

Years 2025-2029 *

´20% hydrogen appliance´ : appliance designed and approved to operate

safely and efficiently using a gas that has a fluctuating hydrogen content between 0% and 20% by volume

´100% hydrogen-ready appliance´ : gas appliance designed and approved

to be installed and ti operate on natural gas and, following a conversion and recommissioning process, can operate safely and efficiently using 100% hydrogen. *

all decentralized heating appliances placed on the EU market:

• from 2025 shall be capable to process up to vol-% H2
• from 2029 shall be ready to be retrofitted from natural gas to 100% hydrogen

Statement to Discussion paper

Should the consumer be able to compare the energy efficiencies of local space heaters ≤ 50 kW and air-to-air heat pumps ≤ 12 kW by means of the energy label?” (PDF 709 KB).

Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (recast).

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2015/1188 of 28 April 2015 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for local space heaters.

The aim of this directive is to establish ecodesign requirements for energy-related products such as heating products or insulation materials. The Ecodesign Directive, which has been in force since October 2009, creates the European legal framework for the definition of environmental requirements for energy-related products (ErP). Gas-powered radiant and dark radiators for commercial and industrial purposes are covered by Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1188 of 28 April 2015 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards ecodesign requirements for local space heaters. Regulation (EU) 2015/1188 entered into force on 1 January 2018 in all EU Member States.

In August 2018 the European Commission has commissioned a study on the revision of Regulation (EU) 2015/1188. As a stakeholder, ELVHIS represents the product range of commercial radiant heaters in the revision process.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1103 of 18 April 2024 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards ecodesign requirements for local space heaters and separate related controls and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1188.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2281 of 30 November 2016 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products, with regard to ecodesign requirements for air heating products, cooling products, high temperature process chillers and fan coil units.

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2024/1834 of 3 July 2024 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for fans driven by motors with an electric input power between 125 W and 500 kW and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 327/2011

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

On 12.03.2024, the EU Parliament adopted the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to ensure that the EU’s building sector generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 2030 and becomes climate-neutral by 2050. In addition, more buildings with the worst values are to be renovated, and the exchange of information on energy performance is also to be improved.
Emission reduction targets:

• new buildings must be emission-free from 2030• new public buildings, or buildings used by or owned by public authorities, should be emission-free from 2028. Member States may take into account the life-cycle global warming potential of a building, which includes the global warming potential of the products used in construction, from their manufacture to their disposal.• for residential buildings, Member States must take appropriate measures to reduce average primary energy consumption by at least 16% by 2030 and by at least 20 to 22% by 2035.

• for non-residential buildings, Member States must renovate 16% of buildings with the worst energy performance by 2030 and 26% by 2033 and ensure that they meet the minimum energy performance requirements.• Where technically and economically feasible, Member States must gradually phase out solar installations by 2030 in public and non-residential buildings – depending on their size – and in all new residential buildings.

Phase-out of fossil fuels in heat supply
Member States need to take measures to decarbonize heating systems and phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling: by 2040, there should be no more fossil fuel-powered boilers. ( What exactly fossil fuels are still being defined by the EU Commission. Hybrid should not be affected.) From 2025, stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels may no longer be subsidized. On the other hand, financial incentives for hybrid heating systems, in which, for example, boilers are combined with solar thermal systems or heat pumps, are still permitted.

Exceptions
Exceptions to the new rules are possible for agricultural and listed buildings, and EU countries can decide to exempt buildings protected for their special architectural or historical value, as well as temporary buildings, churches and buildings used for worship

Next steps
The directive was adopted by 370 votes to 199, with 46 abstentions. Now the Council of Ministers must also formally approve it so that it can come into force. After entry into force, the Directive must be implemented nationally in the Member States within (presumably) 24 months, in the Federal Republic of Germany this is the GEG.

Background
According to the European Commission, buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. On 15 December 2021, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which is part of the Fit for 55 package. The European Climate Law of July 2021 made the targets for 2030 and 2050 legally binding throughout the EU.

On 12.04.2024, the EU Council adopted the revised EPBD with 20 votes in favour, 2 against and 5 abstentions, thus clearing the last hurdle of the revision.

Once signed, it will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will be valid for 20 days after publication. The member states now have 24 months to incorporate the revised directive into national law. A review for possible changes is planned by the EC for 2028.

EU Commission consults first draft guidance for the ban on financial incentives from 2025

European Commission, 22/05/2024 – The amended EU Building Efficiency Directive (EPBD) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 08 May 2024 and entered into force on 28 May 2024. The end of the two-year implementation period for the member states is thus at the end of May 2026.

Article 17 (15) of the EPBD provides for a ban on financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 2025.

Shortly after the publication of the EPBD, the EU Commission launched a consultation to develop guidance for the implementation of this ban. On 16 May, the EU Commission discussed a first draft of the guidance with representatives of the member states.

Key points of the current draft guidance of the EU

Commission:
Differentiation between combustion engine technology and fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are considered fossil fuels.

Financial incentives can be, for example, subsidies or tax breaks.

Situation at the time of installation is decisive. If the gas network contains predominantly natural gas at that time, no financial incentives are to be allowed.

Hybrid systems with a significant share of renewable energy (RE) are to be exempted and can continue to be promoted. Share of RE should be determined by the Member States and financial incentives should be proportional to the RE share (the more RE, the more support).

Conversion costs for the transformation to renewable gases are to be excluded, i.e. the promotion of H2-ready kits in Germany is expected to remain possible.

Reference by the EU Commission to the Energy Labelling Regulation (2017/1369), which in Art. 7 (2) requires Member States to limit incentives to the two highest energy efficiency classes, in which a significant number of products are available. According to the EU Commission, this could already rule out financial incentives for independent boilers regardless of the fuel. However, this interpretation of the EU Commission is controversial.

The guidance on the prohibition of financial incentives is to be adopted in the 2nd half of 2024. A separate consultation and guidance on the term „fossil fuel boiler“ (EPBD Art. 13(8)) is to follow soon.

Text in the Official Journal: EC/2024/1275

Slides of the EU Commission on the key points of the guidance

Status EPBD 2024-06
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
Directive (EU) 2024/1275

On 12.03.2024, the EU Parliament adopted the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive aims to ensure that the EU’s building sector generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 2030 and becomes climate-neutral by 2050. In addition, more buildings with the worst values are to be renovated, and the exchange of information on energy performance is also to be improved.
Emission reduction targets:

• new buildings must be emission-free from 2030• new public buildings, or buildings used by or owned by public authorities, should be emission-free from 2028. Member States may take into account the life-cycle global warming potential of a building, which includes the global warming potential of the products used in construction, from their manufacture to their disposal.• for residential buildings, Member States must take appropriate measures to reduce average primary energy consumption by at least 16% by 2030 and by at least 20 to 22% by 2035.

• for non-residential buildings, Member States must renovate 16% of buildings with the worst energy performance by 2030 and 26% by 2033 and ensure that they meet the minimum energy performance requirements.• Where technically and economically feasible, Member States must gradually phase out solar installations by 2030 in public and non-residential buildings – depending on their size – and in all new residential buildings.
Phase-out of fossil fuels in heat supply

Member States need to take measures to decarbonize heating systems and phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling: by 2040, there should be no more fossil fuel-powered boilers. (What exactly fossil fuels are still being defined by the EU Commission. Hybrid should not be affected.) From 2025, stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels may no longer be subsidized. On the other hand, financial incentives for hybrid heating systems, in which, for example, boilers are combined with solar thermal systems or heat pumps, are still permitted.

Exceptions
Exceptions to the new rules are possible for agricultural and listed buildings, and EU countries can decide to exempt buildings protected for their special architectural or historical value, as well as temporary buildings, churches and buildings used for worship

Next steps
The directive was adopted by 370 votes to 199, with 46 abstentions. Now the Council of Ministers must also formally approve it so that it can come into force. After entry into force, the Directive must be implemented nationally in the Member States within (presumably) 24 months, in the Federal Republic of Germany this is the GEG.

Background
According to the European Commission, buildings in the EU are responsible for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. On 15 December 2021, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal to revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which is part of the Fit for 55 package. The European Climate Law of July 2021 made the targets for 2030 and 2050 legally binding throughout the EU.

On 12.04.2024, the EU Council adopted the revised EPBD with 20 votes in favour, 2 against and 5 abstentions, thus clearing the last hurdle of the revision.
Once signed, it will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will be valid for 20 days after publication. The member states now have 24 months to incorporate the revised directive into national law. A review for possible changes is planned by the EC for 2028.

EU Commission consults first draft guidance for the ban on financial incentives from 2025

European Commission, 22/05/2024 – The amended EU Building Efficiency Directive (EPBD) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 08 May 2024 and entered into force on 28 May 2024. The end of the two-year implementation period for the member states is thus at the end of May 2026.

Article 17 (15) of the EPBD provides for a ban on financial incentives for the installation of stand-alone boilers powered by fossil fuels from 2025.

Shortly after the publication of the EPBD, the EU Commission launched a consultation to develop guidance for the implementation of this ban. On 16 May, the EU Commission discussed a first draft of the guidance with representatives of the member states.

Key points of the current draft guidance of the EU Commission:
Differentiation between combustion engine technology and fuels. Coal, oil and natural gas are considered fossil fuels.
Financial incentives can be, for example, subsidies or tax breaks.

Situation at the time of installation is decisive. If the gas network contains predominantly natural gas at that time, no financial incentives are to be allowed.
Hybrid systems with a significant share of renewable energy (RE) are to be exempted and can continue to be promoted. Share of RE should be determined by the Member States and financial incentives should be proportional to the RE share (the more RE, the more support).

Conversion costs for the transformation to renewable gases are to be excluded, i.e. the promotion of H2-ready kits in Germany is expected to remain possible.
Reference by the EU Commission to the Energy Labelling Regulation (2017/1369), which in Art. 7 (2) requires Member States to limit incentives to the two highest energy efficiency classes, in which a significant number of products are available. According to the EU Commission, this could already rule out financial incentives for independent boilers regardless of the fuel. However, this interpretation of the EU Commission is controversial.
The guidance on the prohibition of financial incentives is to be adopted in the 2nd half of 2024. A separate consultation and guidance on the term „fossil fuel boiler“ (EPBD Art. 13(8)) is to follow soon.

Text in the Official Journal: EC/2024/1275.
Slides of the EU Commission on the key points of the guidance

Become a member

The member companies of ELVHIS – European Leading Association of Manufacturers of Industrial Heating Systems include companies with many years of experience and thus a high level of competence in decentralized heating technology with bright and dark radiators.

Users of decentralised heating technology:


ABB / AEG / Air Canada / AIR LIQUIDE / Air New-Zealand / Airberlin / Airbus / ALCAN / ALSTOM / amazon.com / Arcelor Mittal / AREVA / Aventis / BASF / BASILIQUE de LOURDES / BMW / BOMBARDIER / BOSCH / Bridgestone / Buderus / CAT / CATERPILLAR / CHANTIERS DE L’ATLANTIQUE /STX / CocaCola / CORUS / DAEWOO / DAIMLER CHRYSLER / Dassault / DELTA / DHL / FedEx / FERRIT / Fiat / FINMECCANICA / Ford / General Electric / General Motors / Goodyear / Groβrohrwerk Rostock / Honda / HYUNDAI / Kawasaki / KOMATSU / Lafarge / LIEBHERR / Lufthansa / Lydmar Hotel AB / Magna / MAN / Nestle / NORDEX / Peugeot / PHILIPPS / Pirelli / Porsche / POTAIN / POTEZ AERONAUTIQUE / ProLogis / Renault / RENAULT TRUCKS / Rolls Royce / S.N.C.F. / SAINT-GOBAIN / SCHOTTEL Schiffsmaschinen GmbH / SIEMENS / SOCIETE DES BAINS DE MER MONACO / THYSSEN KRUPP / TRAMWAY DE MARSEILLE / United Airlines / UPS / US Air Force / USINOR / VALMONT / Viessmann / Villeroy & Boch / VOLKSWAGEN / Volvo / VW-AUDI / Wal Mart / Xella