Renewable energy installers have reported that they cannot cope with the demand for heat pumps in and around London. And it is only going to get worse.
International Energy Agency (IEA) released a new report released on 30 November, stating that sales of heat pumps are predicted to “surge” to unprecedented levels in the coming years as households face record-high energy prices.
Heat pumps warmed around 10% of global space heating requirements in 2021, and the rate of installation is growing rapidly with sales at record levels. According to the IEA, global sales rose by nearly 15% in 2021, double the average of the past decade.
A total of 42,779 heat pumps were installed in the UK last year according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). Although the number is far lower than the government’s installation target of 600,000 every year by 2028, interest is growing daily.
Jason Lindfield, the founder of renewable energy installer, OHM Energy, has confirmed that demand is four to five times higher than last year.
“On average, we are receiving 4-5 enquires a day compared with 4-5 a week last year. Heat pumps take stored solar heat from air, water, or the ground and release heat into your home. The systems are suitable for most properties and are very easy to install. Since the introduction of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in May, heat pumps have become the heating system of choice for many homes.”
“Heat pumps can demonstrate in the range of 120 % to 300 % efficiency. For each kW of electricity consumed, they generate about 4kW of thermal energy. When you compare this to the 70 – 80 % efficiency of a conventional gas boiler, it is easy to see why so many people are turning to low carbon heat pumps.”
As a direct result of increased demand and the government’s drive to achieve net zero, many heat pump installers are struggling to hire skilled employees.
The entire renewable energy sector is suffering from a national skills gap as we transition to a low-carbon economy.
To help solve the labour shortage problem, OHM Energy and East Sussex College Group (ESCG) have recently launched an innovative Training Hub for the Renewable Energy sector in Eastbourne.
Having opened in October, the venture is already attracting leading names in the heat pump industry like Samsung and Vaillant who want to contribute to the training. The combination of industry training and academia offers an exciting new way of learning and reskilling for adults and 16-19 year olds and helps them enter the rapidly expanding renewable energy market.
The aim of the hub is to bridge the skills gap for the sector, to help with local employment and to support Local Authorities in the South East, construction companies, homeowners and businesses to improve insulation and install green energy products like heat pumps in commercial and residential properties.
With the rising popularity and significant investment from private and public stakeholders, it seems that heat pumps are here to stay. Have you got yours yet?
