Open Letter on the Implementation of the RED: Excluding Waste Incineration from the Waste Heat Targets

The urgency of transitioning to clean heating solutions cannot be emphasised enough. With climate change posing a grave threat, Europe must expedite its shift to nature-positive renewable energy sources. The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) can play a crucial role in advancing this goal by setting targets and creating a supportive regulatory framework.

In this letter, we call on the European Commission and Member States to:

1. Exclude waste incineration from the definition of ‘waste heat’ targets in the RED.
2. Give priority to waste prevention and set ambitious recycling targets.
3. Invest in innovative technologies for clean energy generation and resource recovery.

By implementing these actions, the EU can demonstrate genuine leadership in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. We firmly believe that prioritising authentic renewables alongside a robust waste hierarchy, with a focus on prevention and recycling, is the most effective strategy for achieving a truly circular economy and safeguarding our planet’s well-being.