Charlotte Lee, CEO from the Heat Pump Association (HPA), discusses the trade association’s new report, including recommendations to unlock the national-level decarbonisation opportunity presented by heat pumps.
The pressing need to combat climate change has prompted the UK government to set an ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Recognising that the heating sector contributes nearly one-third of the country’s carbon emissions, the government has outlined a vision to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028.
However, a recent report from the Heat Pump Association (HPA) sheds light on the current challenges, revealing that the existing market size is only 10% of the 2028 target. This article delves into the HPA’s report, unpacking key insights and recommendations to overcome barriers and pave the way for widescale heat pump deployment in the UK.
The rationale for heat pumps
As the UK endeavours to decarbonise over 30 million homes and businesses within 25 years, heat pumps emerge as a leading solution. Offering efficiency rates over three times higher than fossil fuel boilers, heat pumps have the potential to reduce heating emissions by up to 75%.
The HPA’s analysis of the Marginal Abatement Cost underscores that heat pumps represent the most scalable and cost-effective option for decarbonising heat in UK buildings. However, realising this potential requires swift and comprehensive policy interventions.
Current status and existing challenges
While some European counterparts, such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, have experienced significant growth in the heat pump market, the UK lags behind.
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