HPA seeks support for non-domestic heat pumps

UK: The Heat Pump Association UK has called on the government to provide clear direction, aligned incentives, and sustained practical support to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps.

Key policy recommendations, published today by the recently merged trade body, seeks support to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps in commercial, public sector and Industrial settings in the UK. 

It outlines a series of actions that the heat pump sector and wider stakeholders involved in the supply chain, can take, together with key asks for the government.

The HPA UK points out that while heat pump sales continue to grow in the UK, the vast majority are installed in domestic properties. Heat pumps in non-domestic settings remain a small fraction of the market, despite it representing a significant share of the UK’s heat demand. It argues that the Climate Change Committee itself expects 88% of non-residential heating to come from low carbon sources by 2040, with rapid electrification required to meet the UK’s 2050 targets.

Key policy recommendations include calls to publish a national plan for the electrification of non-domestic heat, with a dedicated task force to support it. It also calls for a reduction in the high cost of electricity relative to fossil fuels for all non-domestic energy users to improve UK competitiveness.

HPA UK also wants clarity on future funding mechanisms for public sector decarbonisation, following the announced closure of the public sector decarbonisation scheme. It also calls on the government to identify fast‑track grid connection zones for industrial electrification and develop business models to unlock private investment in heat pump technologies.

“The confirmation that the Future Homes and Buildings Standard will mandate low carbon heating in non-domestic buildings from 2028 is welcome. But a new build mandate alone is not enough to sustain the supply chains that developed under PSDS, and which are critical to future decarbonisation,” commented Bean Beanland, HPA UK’s commercial and industrial consultant.

“Without a clear strategy and stable policy framework, the retrofit market risks underperforming, putting these vital supply chains, including UK companies and employment, at risk. What is needed now is clear direction, aligned incentives, and sustained practical support that gives businesses the confidence to invest, innovate, and scale,” he added.

To view the HPA UK’s paper in full, visit here.