The UK is witnessing a major rise in each warmth pump installations and licensed installers, pushed by authorities subsidies.
In line with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), 2024 has already surpassed the earlier yr’s document for licensed warmth pump installations.
We have a look at what’s driving the rise in installations and the variety of installers because the UK seems set for one more document breaking yr for warmth pumps.
39% improve in common month-to-month installations
By the top of September 2024, the variety of licensed warmth pump installations had exceeded 42,000, surpassing the full of 40,426 installations recorded all through the entire of 2023, in keeping with the MCS.
This marks a major 39% rise in common month-to-month installations in comparison with final yr, reflecting the rising demand for low-carbon dwelling heating methods.
Commenting on the surge, Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, mentioned: “It’s nice to see extra customers throughout the UK making the change to warmth pumps for his or her dwelling heating wants.
“There’s nonetheless progress to be made to succeed in the federal government goal of 600,000 installations per yr by 2028, however MCS certification will play a key function in driving additional adoption, by guaranteeing everybody has confidence within the high quality, security, and efficiency of their warmth pump installations.”
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What has prompted the expansion?
The expansion in installations is supported by authorities incentives just like the Boiler Improve Scheme (BUS), which noticed a surge in functions. In August 2024 alone, over 2,890 functions have been submitted—greater than double the quantity from the identical interval final yr.
To fulfill demand, the UK authorities has elevated grant availability to £200 million, enabling Ofgem to over-allocate vouchers for installations by way of March 2025.
Bean Beanland, Director of Progress and Exterior Affairs on the Warmth Pump Federation, highlighted the significance of the rising installer base: “Exceeding the full for 2023 by This autumn this yr is an incredible success and confirms that the elevated stage of the Boiler Improve Grant has actually stimulated owners.”
He added: “The numerous improve in exercise had began to lift a price range threat, so we’re extraordinarily grateful that the crew on the Division for Power Safety and Internet Zero responded by allowing Ofgem to over-allocate vouchers for BUS by way of to March 2025. This may make sure that there’s no interruption in help for owners able to make the change to renewable heating.”
Bean Beanland
Bean Beanland is an skilled skilled with a background in vitality and carbon mitigation, is a founding member of the Warmth Pump Federation (HPF). With experience in expertise choice, procurement, and set up, he has overseen quite a few warmth pump methods for numerous buildings, together with Listed and interval buildings, colleges, rural estates, and industrial buildings. Energetic in supporting the event of warmth pump expertise and authorities coverage, Bean additionally leads lobbying efforts for the HPF and contributes to membership development.
On the similar time, the MCS introduced a milestone of 5,000 licensed warmth pump installers, practically doubling from 2,563 in September 2022.
This improve is seen as essential as the provision chain adapts to fulfill the rising demand for warmth pumps and different renewable vitality methods.
At the moment, 58% of MCS-certified contractors are certified to put in warmth pumps, and MCS is actively working to broaden this quantity to maintain tempo with the accelerating market.
The MCS, in collaboration with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Training, has additionally launched the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeships to draw new professionals to the sphere.
“The introduction of the Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeships is an important step in constructing the workforce we have to help this booming sector,” mentioned Rippin. “We’d like to verify that there’s a regular stream of expert professionals who cannot solely meet demand but in addition uphold the excessive requirements of high quality and security that MCS certification ensures.”
