Cefic, the European Union Chemical Industry Association, has welcomed the policy drive for clean energy, as it will open new markets for chemistry-based solutions that are essential for a thriving renewable technology and construction sector.

Avoiding waste energy in the residential sector will provide space for industry, which requires energy not only to grow, but to manufacture products that are needed for a low-carbon transition.

Making good on the ambition set out by the Buildings Performance Directive, the Clean Energy proposal could strongly promote job creation in EU member states, provided they are encouraged to deliver on relevant targets flexibly and according to their capabilities.

Due to this, Cefic believes the proposed package must include a strong link between energy efficiency ambition and the contribution of the building sector.

Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General, said: “By matching climate ambitions with commercial opportunities, the EU Commission has provided the basis to make sure Europe leads the way on clean energy. We believe the proposal can boost Europe’s record as a clean energy leader, and if well executed, will also open markets for new European products and drive job creation in Europe. Our industry looks forward to supporting the package by manufacturing smart materials that are in high demand by other major EU sectors such as constructive and automotive.”

Cefic is also considering the impact of electrification of transport and industries, which will strongly increase the demand for electricity.

Mensink concluded: “Lower-carbon chemicals manufacturing would require an intensive electrification of chemicals processes. Electrifying energy-intensive industry sectors such as chemicals, in additions to buildings and cars, leads to a huge extra demand for electricity, which goes beyond the policies presented by the Commission in this package. We ask member states and the Commission to take this into account when drafting the national plans, especially in industrialised regions that are the backbone of the European economy.”