The sales of heat pumps have declined this year; the industry has called on Brussels for a comprehensive action plan, including financial backing. In recent months, a consultation has been held among citizens and businesses on this matter.
Manufacturers of heat pumps state that they themselves have invested over 7 billion euros in production capacity and training of installers, building upon the key role assigned to heat pumps in various EU climate and energy plans.
Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson has repeatedly said she would start with a heat pump plan coinciding with the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). She emphasized the crucial role that heating plays in energy consumption, as heating accounts for about half of all energy used.
On Wednesday, the Energy Council adopted that EPBD directive. The decision to postpone the Heat Pump Action Plan nonetheless has led to a disappointed reaction from the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). Together with 23 other organizations, they had developed a ‘heat pump accelerator’ to increase the rollout of heat pumps.