The EU Reaches A Strengthening Agreement! New Buildings Must Install Solar Power.

According to the revised EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), EU member states are required to reduce the average primary energy consumption of residential buildings by 16% before 2030 and by 20-22% by 2035. Each country can choose specific buildings and measures to achieve these targets.

Measures implemented by EU member states must ensure that, through renovating the least energy-efficient buildings, there is at least a 55% reduction in the average primary energy consumption. However, exemptions may apply to historic buildings or vacation homes.

For non-residential buildings, the revised EPBD demands gradual improvement through minimum energy performance standards. By 2030 and 2033, 16% and 26% of the worst-performing buildings, respectively, need to undergo renovation.

The EPBD also stipulates that financing measures must incentivize and complement renovations, with a particular focus on vulnerable customers and the least energy-efficient buildings.

Kadri Simson, the EU Energy Commissioner, stated, "Renovation is an investment in a better future. It improves the quality of life, allowing people to redirect savings elsewhere, fostering our economic development."

To drive the implementation of these measures, EU member states will formulate national building renovation plans, outline decarbonization strategies for buildings, and address remaining obstacles such as financing, training, and attracting more skilled workers.

Countries will also develop national building renovation passport programs to guide owners through phased renovations to achieve zero-emission buildings.

In addition, the EPBD requires EU member states to ensure that new buildings are suitable for installing rooftop solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems. From 2027 onwards, existing public and non-residential buildings must install solar power.

In March, the European Commission proposed reforms to the EU's electricity market design. The European Parliament voted in favor of the EPBD, with rooftop solar power also under discussion.

Jan Osenberg, policy advisor at SolarPower Europe, stated that these measures will enhance the effective integration of solar photovoltaic projects with the construction process.

"For example, rooftop buildings will soon be combined with solar installations, reducing costs and allowing us to use the limited existing workforce as efficiently as possible."

Before the revised EPBD, the European Commission also released an action plan at the end of November to accelerate grid expansion and improve grid efficiency.