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More figures support 2024 as a record year for heat pumps

More data has come in which indicates growing interest and uptake in renewable energy technologies – this time from both the Heat Pump Association (HPA) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Encouraging consumers into renewables

Latest HPA figures reveal a significant 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales, and a 15% increase in individuals completing a recognised heat pump training qualification.  

The HPA’s factory gate sales data shows that 98,469 hydronic heat pumps were sold in the UK in 2024. This growth is largely driven by a 64% increase in Air to Water Monobloc sales and a 100% growth in the ‘other heat pump’ category which includes Domestic Hot Water Heat Pumps, Exhaust Air Heat Pumps and Integrated Hybrid Heat Pumps.

This growth profile reflects the ongoing innovation and investment in broadening the adoption of a diverse range of heat pump technologies. 

After a modest 4% growth in sales between 2022 and 2023, this increased level of deployment should provide enhanced confidence to the market that the sector is in a good place to meet expected increases in demand in the coming years.  The HPA is encouraged by this strong growth, which has been supported by Government schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Energy Company Obligation, with MCS heat pump notifications accounting for 60% of total sales.  

To meet demand, growth in sales must be accompanied by a growth in the skilled heat pump workforce. 2024 saw 9,062 individuals successfully completing a recognised heat pump training qualification – a 15% increase on 2023 levels.   

Whilst this level of growth is welcomed, substantial efforts are still needed to ensure heat pump deployment and workforce growth reach the levels required to reduce UK carbon emissions in line with legally binding targets, the HPA says.

‘Unprecedented, accelerated growth’

Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “2024 was a pivotal year for the UK heat pump market, and it’s fantastic to share our figures showing a 63% increase in heat pump sales and 15% increase in individuals successfully completing heat pump training.

“This unprecedented, accelerated growth is a sign of progress and reflects the sector’s dedication and determination to scale up to support the decarbonisation of heat in UK homes and buildings.  

“However, to sustain and strengthen this level of growth and encourage further investment in UK manufacturing and in growing a skilled and competent workforce, there needs to be a clear, credible heat decarbonisation transition plan published by the Government which includes a detailed heat pump installation pathway, supported by policy and regulatory change. This will provide the confidence the market needs.” 

Record year for BUS, with more funding added

New figures show that 2024 was also a record year for BUS heat pump applications, up 67% from 2023. 

The Government has confirmed that the BUS budget will be almost doubled, to £295m, in the next financial year.

Daniel Särefjord, Aira UK CEO, said: “The surge in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024 marks a pivotal year for heat pump adoption in the UK as more and more people are switching to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating solutions. The scheme has proven to be a powerful asset in helping households lower their energy bills while contributing to the nation’s efforts to get off gas and reduce carbon emissions, but there is more to be done. 

“To truly maximise the scheme’s impact, the government must take bold action. We urge policymakers to move faster on implementation dates for the critical removal of planning permission red tape, which was announced over two months ago and still has no sign of action; to address the ongoing price imbalance between electricity and gas, to increase accessibility within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and to overhaul outdated grid connection processes for heat pump households—ensuring they can benefit from their heat pumps without unnecessary delays.

“Our heat pump sector is one of the UK’s most exciting growth industries, driving innovation, economic growth, and the development of a skilled green workforce, all while putting the UK at the forefront of clean energy technology. To drive this vital transition forward at scale, we need to remove policy red tape and increase accessibility for people across the UK.” 

MCS welcomes additional funding

MCS – the Microgeneration Certification Scheme – has also reported record figures for 2024, including in the number of certified heat pump installs and of total certified renewable energy installations.

Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said: “We welcome the government’s decision to increase funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in response to the rising demand for heat pumps, making low-carbon heating more affordable and accessible for consumers. 

“Applications to the BUS surged in 2024, with 78% more vouchers issued in December 2024 compared to December 2023. Data from the MCS Data Dashboard mirrors this growing demand for low-carbon technologies, showing 2024 as the best year on record for certified heat pump installations — with nearly 60,000 systems installed, representing a 43% increase on 2023.  

“The £7,500 grant makes switching to heat pumps more affordable and accessible for consumers. By requiring MCS certification, those using a BUS grant can be confident in the quality and performance of their low-carbon heating installations. Following this record-breaking year, we look forward to sustained momentum as consumer confidence and government support for low-carbon technologies continue to grow.” 

 ‘Fantastic to see huge progress’ – government minister

“Commenting on the growth, Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “It’s fantastic to see huge progress on heat pump installations, with thousands of people now benefiting from clean heating in their homes. 

“We are keeping up this momentum by almost doubling the budget for our Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the next financial year, giving more families £7,500 off the cost. 

“At the same time, our Heat Training Grant will have provided a further 10,000 opportunities by April to train up heat pump and heat network professionals, supporting skilled jobs across the country.”  

Image credit: Dreamstime.