The use of heat pumps is contributing significantly to reducing Europe‘s reliance on gas and cutting carbon dioxide emissions, though recent sales have seen a decline.
New data from the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) shows that there are currently 24 million heat pumps installed across Europe, saving 5.5 billion cubic metres of gas annually.
This accounts for 1.6% of the EU’s total gas consumption.
These heat pumps also cut 45 megatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to around 4.9% of the EU’s building-related emissions – similar to Hungary’s annual output.
If the EU reaches its goal of 60 million heat pumps by 2030, they could save 112 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and 13.7 billion cubic metres of gas per year.
However, only 765,000 heat pumps were sold in 13 European countries in the first half of 2024, compared to 1.44 million in the same period last year.
This decline is largely due to changing national policies, altered consumer support schemes, and low gas prices, while electricity prices have not decreased at the same pace.
Paul Kenny, Director General of the EHPA said: “The new EU Commission should publish the long-awaited EU Heat Pump Action Plan, ensuring it supports manufacturing and training.
“What’s more, offering flexible electricity tariffs so households and businesses with heat pumps can choose to use power when it costs less, which would be good for consumers and the grid.”
