Energy transition focus for European Rental Week

As we celebrate European Rental Week, taking place 13–19 October 2025, with the theme Empowering the Future: Transitions, Sustainability, People, we begin our journey with the first standpoint of Transition: the Energy Transition in Rental.

The equipment rental industry is at the forefront of Europe’s climate ambitions. Through the ERA Energy Transition in Rental Project, our sector is shaping a pathway to reduce fossil fuel dependency, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the EU’s Fit for 55 targets - achieving a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030.

What we’ve learned

ERA’s study, based on literature reviews, 35 stakeholder interviews, and surveys with rental companies and OEMs, highlights the most promising low-carbon alternatives for our industry:

• Battery electric machines: environmentally impactful, with lower long-term operating costs, though requiring higher upfront investments. OEMs expect over 40% of R&D budgets to go into electrification by 2030.
• Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO): a widely available solution that requires no engine modification, making it the leading choice for non-electrified equipment today.
• Hydrogen and biodiesel: promising but still limited by infrastructure, cost, and practical constraints.

Why This Matters for ERW 2025

By spotlighting the Energy Transition in Rental as our first Transition standpoint, European Rental Week 2025 emphasises the equipment rental industry’s proactive role in Europe’s decarbonisation journey. This is not just about technology—it’s about leadership, responsibility, and positioning rental as a driver of change.

For more information about the ERW, please contact the ERA Secretariat at [email protected]