The UK's faltering progress towards net-zero targets is laid bare in the latest figures on heat pump uptake, which have stalled at a worrying 7% growth rate after surging by 56% in the previous year. This concerning slowdown has raised eyebrows among experts and politicians alike, who warn that it could jeopardise the government's ambitious climate goals – particularly when it comes to decarbonising domestic heating.
The sharp decline in heat pump installations coincides with the scrapping of a grant scheme that had been instrumental in supporting lower-income households in overcoming the significant upfront costs associated with installing heat pumps. While overall carbon emissions continue to fall, positioning the UK among leading nations in emission reduction, the slow progress towards transitioning home heating methods poses a significant risk to meeting future environmental commitments.
Heating homes accounts for nearly a fifth of the country's total carbon emissions, with the vast majority of properties still reliant on gas boilers. The government's long-term strategy aims to shift most households towards heat pumps, which utilise electricity – increasingly sourced from renewable generation – instead of gas. However, the initial expense of installation remains a considerable barrier for many.
Currently, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a grant of £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump, but even with this support, households can still face out-of-pocket expenses exceeding £2,500. The now-withdrawn ECO scheme had provided fully funded heat pumps to lower-income homes, though its removal followed reports of issues with installations. Industry bodies and climate experts are advocating for the introduction of a new, effective grant system and measures to reduce the ongoing running costs, which are impacted by the UK's relatively high electricity prices.
Bean Beanland, former director of the Heat Pump Association, said that "the transition to heat pumps is no different to other major changes we've seen in homes. We've moved from open fires to central heating, and now it's time for heat pumps. The challenge is making them affordable – and that's a job for government."
Source: UK's independent climate advisors