Input to the renovation wave initiative for the building sector
ChargeUp Europe welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to launch a Renovation Wave across Europe for both public and private buildings.
You can see our contribution here and below.
Renovation Wave
Buildings are central to satisfying the needs of electric vehicle (EV) drivers and play a key role in the shift towards e-mobility. Over 80% of EV charging takes place around buildings – either at home or at the workplace. This highlights the need to equip buildings with EV charging infrastructure which will help to make EVs the preferred choice for families and commuters.
At the same time, buildings play a significant role in GHG emissions. To achieve Europe’s 2050 climate goal, a large portion of existing building stock must be upgraded and made energy-efficient. Currently, only a very small number are renovated each year. Buildings have the potential to be at the forefront of providing flexibility to a clean energy system through the integration of distributed energy sources, storage, and intelligent energy management systems. To achieve this, a systemic upgrade is necessary.
By equipping existing, new, and renovated buildings with adequate and future-proof infrastructure, policy makers can help to meet the energy & mobility needs of tomorrow, while increasing property value. EV charging points at buildings boost visibility and encourage the switch to EVs. The ongoing implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a step in the right direction for the uptake of charging infrastructure. However, it is set to have very limited implications due to its exemptions.
A stronger EU commitment on charging requirements in the private building stock and an increase in renovation rates is necessary.
The following recommendations should be considered:
Revise EV infrastructure ambition in the EPBD: with the expected volumes of EVs entering the market in the coming years, residential and non-residential properties need a strong policy signal. Increased cabling and ducting requirements need to come with increased ambition for the installation of charging points for the whole building stock which also provide parking spaces.
Introduce a ‘Right to Plug’: EU citizens sometimes find that (regulatory) procedures for requesting or installing charging infrastructure in buildings are lacking. Establishing a principle of ‘Right to Plug’ for owners and tenants should ensure the facilitation of the installation of a charging station in their parking place in multifamily apartment buildings.
Recognize the flexibility potential of EVs: EVs carry huge potential for flexibility services at electricity system, local and consumer level. A proper implementation of the Clean Energy Package will create the market access conditions for demand-side flexibility from EVs in the overall energy management set-up of buildings. From 2024, all new buildings and renovations should include an intelligent energy management system as a minimum requirement which will allow smart charging infrastructure to deliver energy system benefits.
Allocate sufficient EU funding: Electrical infrastructure in existing buildings or near new sites is frequently inadequate for charging infrastructure, requiring upgrading (e.g. from single to three-phase power systems or low- to medium voltage) and additional wiring. Households, SMEs and public sites will benefit from financial support to invest in future-proof charging infrastructure.
The proposed Recovery and Resilience Facility under the Next Generation EU plan should dedicate funding to:
grid upgrades in urban areas for multi-user charging hubs at non-residential/commercial buildings.
national or local EV charging infrastructure incentives schemes which are accessible for citizens, installers or businesses intending to install charging points (e.g. French ADVENIR scheme & OLEV grant in the UK).
linking EU funds to public procurement criteria with ambitious charging infrastructure requirements.