Kenny calls for heat pump action

EUROPE: The European Heat Pump Association has called for the needs of the sector to be included in the forthcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy and Electrification Action Plan.

The plea follows the announcement of the cancellation by the European Commission of the planned Heat Pump Action Plan.

The plan, initially announced in 2023, would have set out how it planned to achieve its pledge to install 10 million additional heat pumps by 2027. It was strongly supported by the heat pump sector and in letters from a majority of member states, over 60 industry CEOs, and organisations including civil society.

However, its likely publication was cast into doubt in December 2024 when the Commission announced it was postponing the Heat Pump Action Plan until after the EU elections in June.

Reacting to the decision to shelve the plan, EHPA director general Paul Kenny commented: “While this comes as no surprise, it is essential that the elements the heat pump sector need are included in the forthcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy and Electrification Action Plan.

“Critically, these plans must ensure switching to heat pumps is affordable, both upfront and during operation, by addressing subsidies and energy taxation. 

“Investments and planning can be locked in via clear, consistent and supportive long-term policies – for example targets and enforced implementation.

“What’s more, heat pumps can bring huge savings to the power grid through their flexibility, but this must be prioritised and consumers incentivised.

“Industrial heat pumps and waste heat recovery should become the default option for factories using process heat of below 200°C.

“If the European Commission supports the faster rollout of heat pumps in this way in its upcoming plans, it will boost the benefits for Europe – greater energy security, clean tech leadership, local jobs, decarbonisation of buildings and industry – as was the intention of the cancelled EU Heat Pump Action Plan.”