• To meet net zero, the UK must hit 450,000 heat pump installations annually by 2030, requiring rapid scaling.
  • High installation costs and unequal distribution limit heat pump adoption, particularly in low-income areas despite government support.
  • Industry leaders push for larger grants and policies, like the Future Homes Standard, to accelerate heat pump adoption.

How can we fast-track heat pump installations to meet the UK’s clean energy targets?

The UK’s journey to net zero emissions faces a critical challenge. In the UK last year, gas boilers outnumbered heat pump installations by more than 15 to 1. Only 13% of new homes were built with heat pumps, while the majority continued to rely on gas-powered heating systems. We’ve drawn this data from the Resolution Foundation’s recent think tank report. The government has set ambitious clean energy targets, but this pace must increase to meet them.

What’s slowing the rollout?

A significant barrier to the heat pump rollout is cost. The government’s £7,500 grant helps, but it still leaves many homeowners with an average out-of-pocket expense of £5,400. This high cost makes it difficult for low-income households to make the switch. In fact, only 19% of heat pumps are installed in the poorest areas, highlighting the unequal distribution of clean energy solutions.

Despite these challenges, the need for heat pumps has never been greater. To meet the UK’s net zero targets, the country needs to install 450,000 heat pumps annually by 2030. This will be essential in decarbonising the housing sector, which is one of the largest contributors to the UK’s carbon emissions. Heat pumps are far more efficient than traditional gas boilers, offering a long-term solution to both reducing emissions and lowering energy consumption.

The good news is that momentum is building

Industry leaders are advocating for larger grants, especially for low-income households, and the potential for more policies like the Future Homes Standard, which could mandate heat pumps in new homes.

In light of these challenges, the upcoming Heat Pump Summit couldn’t be better timed. As the UK looks to accelerate its adoption of heat pumps, the summit offers an invaluable opportunity for industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to come together. In partnership with Hive, the summit is a chance to share insights, discuss solutions, and push forward the action needed to meet the net zero targets.

The journey is tough, but with the right investments and collective effort, the UK can still turn the tide and lead the way in the global transition to sustainable energy.