Feature

Driving forces

Tony Staniforth, specification sales director,  Kingspan Renewables looks at the drivers that will help boost heat pump uptake.

Since the announcement of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in March, air source heat pumps have been a contentious topic in the renewables industry. Whilst their omission from the RHI’s first phase is disappointing, it is important not to forget that there are other legislative and financial drivers in place that are set to impact on the uptake of air source heat pumps across domestic and commercial applications.

Leading air source heat pump manufacturers are continuing to invest in product development to ensure this technology is poised to meet growing demand in the UK. Our Aeromax Plus air source heat pumps, for example, reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50 per cent compared with traditional systems, and will also help meet strict government regulations. For instance, investing in commercial air source heat pumps can be a shrewd move for those subject to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, who will need to buy allowances from the government to cover their emissions.

Despite not being currently eligible for RHI tariff support, there is also good news for domestic customers, as air source heat pumps do qualify for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP). In fact, recent statistics have shown that air source heat pumps are currently proving most in demand amongst early adopters in the domestic market. They are set to become even more popular following recent planning regulation changes, which will see heat pumps that meet the necessary criteria (such as our 4kW and 6kW output Aeromax Plus models – the smallest, quietest and lightest units on the market) classed as a permitted development.