UK's Heat Pump Outlook: A Look Ahead at Its Role in British Heating Solutions

UK's Heat Pump Outlook: A Look Ahead at Its Role in British Heating Solutions

Laid-Back Lowdown on the UK's Heat Pump Game

Catch a glimpse of the UK's heat pump scene's current state and future outlook, with a sprinkle of insider info on the forces driving this green revolution.

Heat Pumps – The UK's Green Game Changer?

In the world of eco-friendly living, the heat pump is becoming a stand-out player in many Northern and Central European countries, as well as the United States and Canada. Sweden, Switzerland, France, Germany, and now the UK have begun to take notice of this powerful heating solution. So, let's dive into the heat pump scene in the UK – a country poised for greatness, but not without obstacles to overcome.

Ready to Get the Best Offers from Top Suppliers?

Are you captivated by heat pumps and eager to join the green revolution? Fill out the form below, and we'll save you from the research grind, connecting you with as many as four competitive offers from our network of trusted suppliers. All at no cost and with no obligations!

It takes only 30 seconds!

0330 808 0405

Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK – The Current State of Play

So, what's the state of heat pumps in the UK right now? Well, the nation's heating infrastructure still relies heavily on gas systems – with gas boilers representing an impressive 85% of the heating system market. Renewable heating, including heat pumps, currently accounts for just 2%, with air source heat pumps (ASHP) making up a larger portion than ground source heat pumps (GSHP).

What about Barriers?

The expansion of heat pumps in the UK is not without challenges. Here are some of the most significant obstacles facing the industry:

1. High upfront costs: The installation of ASHPs is substantially more expensive than traditional gas boilers. Although GSHP installation costs are even steeper, the cost of an ASHP amounts to around 20% of that of a gas boiler. The UK has a culture of minimizing investment in heating systems, which poses a significant hurdle.
2. Dismal running cost savings: One of the primary reasons heat pumps are popular in parts of Europe is their relatively low running costs since they consume little electricity compared to conventional electric heating methods. However, in the UK, electricity is three times more expensive than gas. This causes operational savings from ASHPs to remain relatively small, making them a less appealing choice.
3. Outdated Grid Structure: Britain's electric distribution network is predominantly one-phase, making it ill-equipped to accommodate heat pumps, which are significant loads. To address this issue, heat pumps can be equipped with devices allowing for more controlled operation and smoother power consumption.
4. Housing stock: The UK housing stock is aging and lacks the thermal inertia needed for efficient heat pump performance. Additionally, homes are small compared to the European average, and heat equipment often needs to be installed in living spaces due to a lack of suitable storage areas.

Ground Source Heat Pumps – Opportunities Await

Despite these hurdles, the trademark blue and yellow machines are poised for a significant increase in the UK market in the coming years, thanks to these key drivers:

1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): With the Government granting up to £7,500 to homeowners and small businesses toward the installation of low-carbon heating systems, the financial barrier to entry is reduced dramatically.
2. Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency: As with any renewable technology, heat pump performance is continually improving, and in the near future, they will truly outpace gas boilers in terms of affordability and performance.
3. Utility Engagement: With utilities supplying over 90% of customers, most installations are gas boilers. However, the utility industry is gradually warming to the UK market by offering ASHP and GSHP installation services, making the market more dynamic.
4. Building Regulations: As the government aims to make new residential buildings "Zero Carbon," regulations will encourage the installation of heat pumps. Bear in mind that there are various options to meet these requirements, not just heat pumps.
5. UK's Heat Pump Future*

Looking ahead, the next few years are ripe with growth for the UK heat pump industry. Experts predict that until 2025, the installation of heat pumps will experience a rapid surge, fueled mainly by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the increased initiative of utilities expanding the UK market. This growth will not only boost UK companies but also attract experienced European companies eager to join the fight.

Sources:

[1] IEA HPP Annex 42: Heat Pumps in Smart Grids | Market Overview United Kingdom (Delta Energy & Environment, 22/01/2014)

[2] (Developing a business case for heat pump installations: It’s low carbon heat for less. Commissioned by the Heat Pump Association by TRL, 2014)

[3] Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) eligibility criteria

[4] Committee on Climate Change: Sixth Carbon Budget (published September 13, 2019)

[5] Heat Pump Association, Heat Pump Winter Test (HPWT) 2023/24 Report: England Innovation Programme

Hop Aboard the Heat Pump Movement!

If you're primed to invest in a heat pump but unsure of which type best suits your needs, we're standing by to aid you. Fill out the form below with your preferences, and we'll send you up to four quotes from our network of trustworthy suppliers. Choose the deal that suits you best, with no cost or obligation!

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save £7,500 with BUS grant

It takes only 30 seconds!

0330 808 0405

The use of ground source and air source heat pumps in the UK's renewable energy sector is expanding, driven by the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the scalability of these technologies.

Solar panels and renewable-energy solutions, in combination with heat pumps, can create a more eco-friendly environment in the UK, contributing to the fight against climate-change.

Environmental-science and science experts predict an increase in heat pump installations in the UK, anticipating a growth spurt until 2025, primarily fueled by the Renewable Heat Incentive and the engagement of utility companies.

Industry leaders in renewable-energy and heat pumps are investing in the UK market, capitalizing on the country's potential for a green revolution and the advancing scientific knowledge in this field.

Finance options are available for those seeking to adopt heat pump technology, making these systems more accessible to a wider range of households and businesses in the pursuit of eco-friendly living.

In the face of climate-change challenges and the drive for a sustainable future, the UK's renewable-energy industry is poised for significant development and growth in the coming years.

Read also: