As the Government considers how to meet its legally binding net-zero emissions target by 2050, it is clear there is a critical need for highly efficient and sustainable solutions in the heating sector. Heat pumps are emerging as the cornerstone of this transition, offering extremely efficient, low carbon alternatives to classic heating systems for both residential and commercial applications.
Call to action
Craig Dolan, Chair of the Heat Pump Association emphasised the importance of the report: “As a low carbon solution, heat pumps can be more than three times more efficient than fossil fuel boilers and switching to heat pumps in the UK can reduce heating emissions by up to 75%, equivalent to all the territorial emissions of Denmark in 2021.
“This report is a call to action for stakeholders, policymakers and industry players to come together in making heat pump technology a cornerstone of the UK’s sustainable energy landscape.’
Recommendations
Identifying the main barriers to uptake as upfront costs, awareness, running costs, workforce and consumer confidence the HPA report addresses each in turn with recommendations for government-backed interest free loans for heat pump installs, a rebalancing of electricity tariffs and the introduction of mandated low temperature heating training.
Addressing also the need for clear policy, improved market drivers and supported expansion of heat networks, the report calls for the reform of ECO4 with respect to heat pump network projects in social housing, recommending the eligibility criteria for ECO EPCs be relaxed to Band C projects at least.
Key highlights:
- Comprehensive analysis: The report offers a thorough examination of the current state of the heat pump industry in the UK, outlining existing barriers, opportunities, and the economic benefits of mass adoption.
- Policy Recommendations: It provides a clear set of well-researched policy recommendations aimed at creating an environment conducive to widespread heat pump deployment. These recommendations are backed by extensive research and the expertise of HPA’s well-versed membership.
Mark Wilkins, Vice-Chair of the Heat Pump Association said: “This is a fantastic report outlining a comprehensive set of policy recommendations which, if implemented, would provide investors, manufacturers, installers and consumers with confidence in the sector.
“We are confident that these insights will positively support policy development, propelling us towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow.”
Vital collaboration
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the report, Charlotte Lee, CEO of the HPA commented: “It’s been immensely gratifying to work collaboratively with our members and industry partners to produce this report. It reflects the collective dedication and expertise of our community in driving positive change for our environment and economy.
“Further policy support and political commitment are essential to support the sector in working towards the Government ambition to install 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. We urge policymakers, current and future, to take heed of these recommendations.’
The full report; ‘Unlocking Widescale Heat Pump Deployment in the UK’, is available for download at: https://www.heatpumps.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HPA-Unlocking-Widescale-Heat-Pump-Deployment-in-the-UK.pdf
Read the Executive Summary and Key Policy recommendations here: https://www.heatpumps.org.uk/resources/industry-reports/