heating and cooling is the "missing link"

12.00.00am GMT Tue 14th Feb 2006

MEPs voted today in favour of greater use of renewable forms of energy for heating and cooling.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP said "As a result of today's vote, the Commission must now come forward with legislation on renewables for heating and cooling, which is the "missing link" as far as renewable energy legislation is concerned."

"Around 50% of primary energy consumption goes on heating and the demand for energy for cooling is also growing. Legislation is urgently needed if the share of renewable energy in these sectors is to fulfil its potential."

"Realistically, renewable energy for heating and cooling could easily be doubled across the EU by 2020, but member states will need to have their own national targets reflecting the potential that they each have. For example, here in the West Midlands people are showing an increasing interest in using the warmth deep beneath the ground as a source of heat, as well as burning traditional renewable fuels such as wood and straw."

"Boosting the use of renewables for heating will take some pressure off gas and oil and give us greater security in our energy supplies. Using more renewables for heating will also cut greenhouse gas emissions and create a new energy sector and new jobs."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 0033388177521 (Strasbourg) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer Steve Nowottny in Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 262785.