It is a myth that buildings in some countries are better suited for heat pumps than others.
In some European countries, heat pumps are the most common method of heating homes. In others, technology continues to be met with skepticism. The disparity in the adoption of heat pumps in Europe depends on many factors, including subsidies offered, electricity prices and policies that encourage people to install them.
‘Euronews Green’ spoke to two experts about the reasons for this Heat pump technology is more common in some countries than othersand why policymaking is key to the transition to green energy.
Electricity price determines heat pump adoption
Dispelling many myths about heat pumps and their capabilities working in the cold or in old buildings It has improved people’s general understanding of the versatility of this technology.
“At work The widespread opinion that heat pumps can only be installed in modern detached houseswell insulated and refurbished,” says Sarah Azau, communications manager for the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).
“But this is not the case; we have countless examples. Heat pumps working successfully in multi-family homesold listed buildings and even in arctic permafrost.
Jan Rosewood is Director of European Programs at the non-profit organization Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP). clean energy. He adds: “An important factor in determining whether heat pumps will be adopted has less to do with building types and architecture and more to do with the economics of their use.”
Countries where it is available Electricity prices are several times higher than gas and heating oil, few people have switched to heat pumps. For example, in the UK there are approximately 412 heat pumps per 100,000 people. Average of 3,068 heat pumps per 100,000 people in EuropeSelect Air Source Heat Pumps London.
Rosenow explains that demand for heat pumps is significant in countries where electricity prices are at most twice that of gas and heating oil. This is the situation of Norway and Sweden. Finland and Estonia for example.
“Heat pumps are very energy efficient; They are three to five times more efficient than gas boilers.But they need a small amount of electricity.”
Which European countries subsidize the installation of heat pumps?
Different European countries offer financial incentives for heat pumps with low-interest loans, subsidy and tax reduction programs. Considering that initial costs are on average two to four times higher than for gas boilers (usually around 11,500 euros), these are key factors in the adoption of this technology.
Azau adds that one of the reasons for this is support plans that change too quickly or unexpectedly Heat pump sales down more recently, up to 47% between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024.
“It is crucial that the EU and national governments establish a clear direction of travel through permanent and stable policies,” says Azau. “This gives confidence to both heat pump manufacturers and consumers. “We hope to see this in the new EU Commission’s planned measures, such as the electrification action plan and the law on accelerating industrial decarbonisation.”
Germany has some of the most generous subsidies for heat pump installation. Owners will be able to receive subsidies of up to 18,000 euros if they purchase them. geothermal heat pump and up to 15,000 euros for one aerothermal heat pump For an existing property.
France follows closely with subsidies of up to 15,000 euros for the purchase of a car heat pump up to €9,000 for geothermal and aerothermal heat pump for an existing property. In October 2023, the British Government increased subsidies for heat pumps by 50%, from £5,000 (€5,795) to £7,500 (€8,692).
“Policymakers have a responsibility to provide citizens with sound information.”
Although heat pumps are now default heating technology in many Scandinavian countriesIn less mature markets, it is viewed with some skepticism by consumers, Rosenow explains.
ADVERTAccording to Rosenow, this is often due to misinformation in the fossil fuel heating industry. “Last year’s heating law in Germany sparked a highly polarized debate. heat pumps“It’s a situation where consumers don’t know which direction to go,” he explains.
The key requirement for increasing the acceptance of heat pumps is an effective policy mix, says Rosenow. To this “Ensuring adequate energy prices to reduce operating costs of heat pumps lower than fossil fuel alternatives, financial support to cover start-up costs, regulation to prevent the installation of new fossil fuel heating systems in new and increasingly existing buildings, and good coordination and communication,” says Rosewood.
