Low heat pump adoption in the UK compared to other European countries remains a pressing issue. However, there is a wealth of potential benefits if UK property owners were to emulate Norway’s successful heat pump adoption strategy.
This article discusses the advantages of following Norway’s lead on the use of heat pumps. It reflects how the UK can better adopt air source heat pump installations with help from government grants to motivate property owners to switch to greener energy solutions.
Surveys have found high levels of satisfaction among heat pump owners compared to their previous heating systems, and we’ll look at that.
What can Norway teach the UK populace on the advantages of air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps? More homeowners must be exposed to the long-term energy savings and not the myths.
Can We Learn From Norway And Stray From Myths?
Norway provides valuable insights that the UK can leverage for its own heat pump adoption strategy.
It’s important to grasp green energy uses and address the challenges and resistances encountered, such as the influence of gas lobby groups seeking to hinder the spread of heat pump sales.
Heat pump installation growth has faced significant opposition from gas lobby groups, with allegations of campaigns aimed at hindering their adoption. These lobby groups, with vested interests in maintaining the dominance of gas boilers, have been accused of launching misinformation campaigns against air source heat pumps, leading to widespread confusion and misconceptions. This, in turn, has swayed people for the wrong reasons to stick to gas sources.
In Europe, the UK lags behind in heat pump adoption, with one of the lowest rates of installations per household compared to other countries. A heat pump study conducted in 2021 examined heat pump installations in 17 European nations, revealing that the UK had the slowest rate of adoption among them.
The Energy Minister, Lord Callanan, raised concerns over campaigns of misinformation surrounding heat pumps on Sky’s The Climate Show in January. According to Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, he alleged that individuals with vested interests in gas boilers have spread myths to undermine the credibility of heat pumps. Yet, satisfaction rates among those who have installed heat pumps remain high, with a heat pump installation survey in 2023 that found over 80% of brits expressing contentment with their installations.
Understanding and learning from the Norwegian model can help the UK overcome similar obstacles and progress towards a more sustainable heating future.
Recently Debunked Myths
Heat pumps do not work effectively in the UK climate
This notion is refuted in Norway where a higher number of air source heat pump installations have progressed.
Heat pumps are inefficient in cold weather
Modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently, even in temperatures as low as -20°C.
The Incentive To Follow Norway’s Example
In the UK, property owners can take advantage of the £450 million boiler upgrade scheme. Plus it’s been extended until 2028, so there’s never been a better time to switch to a heat pump. This offers a grant of between £5000 and £7500 to replace a gas boiler with a heat pump.
The UK government has pushed back the date for mandatory heat pump installations to 2035. This gives a lot of time to make the greener change and switch.
Norway’s approach to promoting and incentivising heat pump installations has resulted in remarkable success. Lower energy consumption and emissions reduction are two substantial benefits.
Norwegian homes have experienced significant advantages from heat pumps, as demonstrated by a comparison of energy produced and consumed. Drawing insights from these successes can guide the UK in creating a more sustainable heating landscape.
Policy and Planning
Norway’s effective heat pump adoption can be attributed, in part, to its clear planning rules and government policies. A clearer message has facilitated widespread installations.
For example, are enough homeowners aware that they don’t need planning permission for heat pump installations? Only if you live in a conservation area or a listed building should the local council be contacted for permission.
Heat pump installations on domestic premises in the UK are considered permitted development. But has this awareness been broadcast enough?
Dispelling the Myth: Why Heat Pumps Work in the Cold
There is a prevalent misconception that heat pumps are ineffective in cold weather conditions. However, this myth is easily debunked. Swapping all the gas boilers in the UK with air source heat pumps could save approximately £11 billion in wholesale gas costs.
The technology has proven successful in some of the coldest European countries with long, harsh winters. Like Norway, Finland saw a 50% increase in its heat pump market in 2022, with 200,000 units sold in a single year.
Despite average winter temperatures of -6.8°C, Norway experienced a 25% growth in its heat pump market in the same year, with almost two-thirds of Norwegian households now utilising heat pumps. These mature markets are still achieving double-digit growth rates annually, reaffirming the viability of heat pumps in cold climates.
Understanding the Environmental Imperative
The environmental impact of heating buildings in Britain is substantial. 26% of the total emissions comes from households.
To meet the UK government’s net-zero targets, emissions from buildings must decline by at least 47% by 2035. However, progress has been slow, with only an 18% reduction in emissions since 1990.
Rapid action is necessary if we are to meet our climate targets, making a transition within the built environment imperative.
Why Heat Pumps Work and Are Becoming More Affordable
Heat pumps offer numerous advantages and are increasingly cost-effective to purchase and operate. Advances in technology and economies of scale have contributed to cost reductions, making heat pumps more accessible to property owners.
The message about affordable heat pumps must be pushed out more with help from government grants. This allows individuals to make informed decisions about adopting this sustainable heating solution.
Comparing the UK and Norway
A comparison between the UK and Norway showcases the stark differences in heat pump adoption and provides valuable insights for UK property owners. Norway, topping the global table for heat pumps per capita, demonstrates the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach.
Take into account the historical factors and policy initiatives that have driven Norway’s heat pump market,
- Cheap and clean electricity,
- High taxes on fossil fuels,
- Government subsidies,
- Bans on oil boilers.
The UK can learn from these successes to push its own heat pump adoption.
Emulating Norway’s successful heat pump adoption strategy holds significant promise for the UK
So much for the misinformed to learn from Norway. We can continue to push out the misconceptions about heat pumps and bring the right information to those questioning heat pump installs. The UK can overcome barriers to adoption and make significant strides towards a sustainable future.
The environmental, economic, and social benefits of air source heat pump adoption are evident, and it is crucial for property owners in the UK to look at Norway as an example towards a greener future.
Property owners in the UK really can consider this transition in their quest for a more sustainable heating landscape.
About the author: Stephen writes about energy savings and green energy solutions for heat pump suppliers in the UK on projects for Wildwood Digital in Leeds.
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 