The European Heating Market

Emphasis on Greater Energy Savings Drives the European Heating Market

A new legislation mandating the use of renewable energy for heating, coupled with the focus on green technology, has augmented the market penetration of renewable heating technologies such as biomass boilers and solar thermal systems in Europe. Heavy reliance on government support in most regions and the low acceptance of renewable heating technologies will be the main challenges faced by the industry in future. "The European heating market has been driven by a gradual drift towards more efficient and renewable heating technologies," says the analyst of this research. "The introduction of a new Europe-wide and national legislation which provides added incentives to consumers to adopt such technologies ensures that the market is set to continue on a steady growth trajectory."

There are many European Union (EU) wide as well as local legislations aimed at increasing the share of renewable heating technologies. Across the EU, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has had a significant impact. It has resulted in local legislation in countries such as France and Germany supporting the use of renewable heating through subsidies and other incentives. The market received a boost at the end of 2008 due to the passing of the '20-20-20' climate-change package by the European Parliament. The short-term implication on this market will be an increased number of incentives for the use of renewable heating over the next three years in the EU nations. This will be a stepping-stone for manufacturers to shift their production from non-renewable technologies to renewable and efficient ones such as biomass boilers. In the long term, the directive will lay the foundation for self-sustained growth in several new markets.

Manufacturers to Undertake Heating Technology Awareness Campaigns

However, there is a lack of awareness about renewable heating technologies among most consumers. Except for a few established markets, there is still a significant lack of understanding among consumers about the benefits of renewable heating technologies. "End-users and tertiary market participants such as installers and developers are still apprehensive about the new renewable heating technology," observes the analyst. "In the newer markets, there is still a perception that the technology is unproven and that the cost-savings and advantages are inflated."

In regions without clear incentives for the adoption of renewable heating, the change in attitude among consumers towards this technology will be gradual. Consumers should be convinced about the benefits of the technology and be given clear financial incentives to facilitate greater adoption until the market reaches a critical mass and can achieve self-sustained growth. "Manufacturers and concerned entities have had moderate success in their attempts to raise awareness through local advertising campaigns," concludes the analyst. "They have also collaborated with governments and local authorities on awareness campaigns and workshops for local installers, engineers, and home-owners as well as entered into partnerships and training programmes with market participants to generate greater interest in the technology."

Application Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Commercial
• Residential
• Public
• Industrial

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Heating boilers
• Heat pumps
• Biomass boilers
• Solar thermal systems