EC decision “slams brakes” on heat pump roll out

The criticisms follow today’s announcement by the Commission that it was postponing the Heat Pump Action Plan – which would set out how it planned to achieve its pledge to install 10 million additional heat pumps by 2027 – until after the EU elections in June.

In a hard-hitting statement, the EHPA said: “Despite saying that it wanted to accelerate the rollout of heat pumps and reminding the member states about the importance of higher ambition, the European Commission has slammed on the brakes.”

It argues that even if the new Commission decides to take up the Action Plan, the delay will be considerable. 

The decision comes at a time when heat pump sales are declining and the sector is calling for strong policy support in the form of ambitious targets and a comprehensive action plan.

Manufacturers have invested over €7bn in production capacity and training of installers, building on the key role given to heat pumps in the Green Deal, Fit for 55°C package, and in REPowerEU.  

“Europe is falling behind on the decarbonisation of heat. Yet, rather than tackle the issue by developing and publishing the promised Heat Pump Action Plan, the Commission has kicked it into the long grass, commented EHPA secretary general Thomas Nowak.

“This will not only impact the sector and its €7bn of European investments, it will impact Europe’s path to net zero and all the consumers who want nothing more than to be able to choose affordable and sustainable clean heating.”