Reaping the benefits of electric heating? Only by lowering the conversion coefficient

Today, Eurelectric and the Electrification Alliance, release a joint statement on the conversion coefficient. It posits that aligning this coefficient with the newly revised Primary Energy Factor (PEF) will be key to unlock the potential of electric-based appliances (such as heat pumps) and decarbonise the buildings sector.

For an ambitious decarbonisation of Europe, it is paramount to accelerate electrification and have the EU legislation recognise the potential of carbon-free electricity to decarbonise other sectors of the economy. In view of the drastic evolution of the electricity mix towards full decarbonisation, the PEF was lowered during the revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive and the same logic should now apply when it comes to conversion coefficient under the Ecodesign regulations. This is the key message of today’s joint Eurelectric-Electrification Alliance statement.

What is the conversion coefficient?

The conversion coefficient is the equivalent of the PEF for what concerns space and combination heaters but also water heating. This value is being discussed as part of the revision of Ecodesign regulations, ongoing since last year.

The value of the conversion coefficient is explicitly linked it to that of the PEF, which was set at 2.5, back in 2013. In 2018, the PEF was reduced to 2.1.

The Electrification Alliance

Launched in 2017, the Electrification Alliance brings together seven partner organisations and over 50 supporting partners. They are committed to maximise the potential of carbon neutral electricity in the overall decarbonisation of various sectors of our economy. While supporting the development and deployment of electric, smart and efficient technologies, the Alliance contributes to EU’s energy transition efforts.