FOCUS ON HEAT PUMPS
HEAT PUMP INSTALLATIONS HAVE BEEN GROWING AT A SLOWER PACE IN NORTHERN IRELAND, WHICH HAS NO GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SCHEME ON PAR WITH GB OR IRELAND…
2024 was a record year for small-scale renewables
A record-breaking past year for small-scale renewables has included a 43% increase in heat pump installations, according to UK quality mark MCS. MCS’ Data Dashboard indicates more than 260,000 certified installations including heat pumps, solar and battery storage were completed in UK homes and small businesses last year, up 7% on 2023. Total certified installation numbers in the UK have now passed two million, highlighting a growing commitment to renewable technologies for heating and powering homes and businesses. Heat pumps saw a record-breaking rise in 2024 with almost 60,000 certified installations bringing the total number of certified heat pump installations in the UK to over 275,000. Solar PV continues to lead the way as the most popular renewable technology with over 180,000 certified installations recorded last year, while battery storage saw record-breaking numbers with nearly 20,000 certified installations. Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, said, “It’s fantastic to see the record-breaking uptake of renewable energy technologies across the UK. More consumers are making the switch to home-grown energy, placing their trust in MCS certified contractors to give them confidence in their renewable installations. “As the numbers rise and more people benefit from home-grown energy, it’s crucial that standards are maintained in order to continue the momentum. This is where MCS product and installation standards have a key role to play in building confidence as the UK transitions to net zero.” Responding to the certification figures, Hamid Salimi, Residential
Octopus Energy is reporting strong interest in its Craigavon-manufactured heat pump, but not in Northern Ireland where no government support is available.
Product Manager at Daikin, said, “We are confident the UK could get closer to, or even exceed the government’s target of up to 600,000 heat pumps if a few key areas are addressed by the government: increasing the number of qualified installers; boosting demand for heat pumps by tackling misinformation and effectively communicating their benefits; providing financial incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to encourage people to take the first step; and by addressing the cost disparity between electricity and gas.” Heat pump installations have been growing at a slower pace in Northern Ireland, which has no government support scheme on par
with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales, Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme or the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme in the Republic of Ireland. Over 200,000 homeowners contacted Octopus Energy to enquire about a heat pump in 2024, up 144% from the previous year. However, the power company has highlighted the lack of any government support scheme in NI as preventing uptake of its Cosy 6 proprietary heat pump, which is manufactured in Craigavon. A NI Department for the Economy Consultation on support for low- carbon heating within residential buildings closed in January 2025. www.mcscertified.com
“More consumers are making the switch to home-grown energy, placing their trust in MCS certified contractors to give them confidence in their renewable installations.”
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