Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a comparison between the 20-20-20 targets contribution and the portion of research and development funding dedicated to the renewable heating and cooling sector in the European Union. Data has been collected through literature research and processed in order to assess the expected 20-20-20 targets contribution of the renewable heating and cooling sector and to quantify the European Union´s funding for energy related research and development. On the one hand, the renewable heating and cooling sector contributes to the 20-20-20 targets for approximately 40% regarding carbon dioxide emissions reduction, for around 45% concerning energy consumption coming from renewables and for around 57% to primary energy use reduction. On the other hand, the Seventh Framework Programme funding for renewable heating and cooling issues amounts to approximately 5% of the total energy budget.