HPA - Experts & Thought Leaders

Qvantum, a globally renowned expert in heat pump technology, is proud to announce its participation in a prestigious EU Pilot project, Annex 62, aimed at advancing innovation and development within the heat pump sector for multi-family residential buildings in cities. This collaboration underscores Qvantum's commitment to leveraging its extensive knowledge and expertise to contribute to significant advancements in the sector. key challenges of heating and cooling Qvantum is participating within the Swedish initiative that is also a contributing party towards Annex 62 together with the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE), financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, and IKEA. The EU Pilot project, Annex 62, brings together a consortium of industry experts, research institutions, property developers and governmental bodies to address key challenges and explore new opportunities within the heating and cooling industry.  Groundbreaking initiative Qvantum will provide its specialized knowledge and the expertise of its seasoned professionals As a vital contributor, Qvantum will provide its specialized knowledge and the expertise of its seasoned professionals; Thomas Nowak, Head of Political Affairs and Government Relations and former Secretary General of the European Heat Pump Association together with Per Rosén, Tekn. Dr. and Specialist in Energy Systems, to drive the project's success. "We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative," said Fredrik Rosenqvist, CEO of Qvantum, adding "Our team is eager to collaborate with other distinguished partners and bring our know-how to help achieve the project's ambitious goals." Adoption of heat pumps The project will focus on identifying and overcoming barriers to the adoption of heat pumps in urban multi-family houses, with Qvantum playing a crucial role in knowledge around heat pumps for multi-family residential buildings in cities.  This involvement not only highlights the company's leadership in the field, but also reinforces its dedication to fostering sustainable and impactful advancements.

A whitepaper exploring the policy landscape around hybrid heat pump systems has been launched to provide a series of key findings that inform a recommended rollout of the technology in the UK. Global manufacturer of heating and hot water solutions - Baxi commissioned Gemserv (a Talan Company) to research and produce the report – entitled Unlocking the Power of Heat Pumps with Hybrid Installations – which was launched at an event in Westminster this week. heat pumps in hybrid configuration Exploring the suitability of heat pumps deployed in a hybrid configuration with new or existing gas boilers for UK homes, the paper highlights a series of policy recommendations designed to help accelerate heat decarbonization. These include consideration for eligibility under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, better representation of hybrid systems’ carbon-saving benefits under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, and a rebalancing of electricity prices to help reduce running costs. Warm Homes Plan Baxi has commissioned the report to demonstrate how hybrid systems could be a key transitional technology The launch follows the announcement of the government’s Warm Homes Plan, which saw increased funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and a reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism as part of plans to increase the uptake of heat pumps in the UK. Building on the ambition of the Government to progress heat decarbonization, Baxi has commissioned the report to demonstrate how hybrid systems could be a key transitional technology to clean heat. Clean Energy Superpower Jeff House, External Affairs and Policy Director at Baxi, explains, "There has been no shortage of ambition to decarbonize heat in the UK, as demonstrated through the Government’s commitment to making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower and the additional support provided through the Warm Homes Plan." He adds, "However, we wanted to commission this report to demonstrate that there is a real missed opportunity when it comes to including hybrid systems within these policies." decarbonized heat Jeff House continues, "While heat pumps, whether deployed individually or at the heart of heat networks, will be one of the key mass-market drivers of decarbonized heat, we have a responsibility to ensure a balanced and equitable transition in line with consumer needs." He further states, "A hybrid system offers advantages as a transitional technology, not only in terms of overcoming some technical barriers to make them more cost-effective in difficult to decarbonize homes, but also for energy system flexibility and resilience." incentivizing the installation Following extensive deployment in the Netherlands, the state was considering whether to mandate hybrid systems The report also highlights learnings from the rest of Europe, including countries that are incentivizing the installation of hybrid systems as a transition technology. For example, following extensive deployment in the Netherlands, the state was considering whether to mandate hybrid systems as the minimum requirement for all retrofit installations. Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Clean Heat Market Mechanism Jeff House continues, "By including hybrids in more incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Clean Heat Market Mechanism, we can expect to see the same spikes in uptake that there have been in Europe. Add to the addressing of the gap between electricity and gas prices for householders and we could well see uptake for clean heat technologies accelerate at the rate we need it to." The exclusive launch event, which took place on 28th November in Westminster, included an in-depth panel discussion on hybrid systems with industry experts from Gemserv, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Heat Pump Association, and Passiv UK.

The Heat Pump Association (HPA) has called for the incoming UK government to prioritize a number of key initiatives to provide the sector with confidence and clarity. Among what the HPA calls its Key Asks, the association presses for a removal of barriers to heat pump uptake and a reduction in the upfront and running costs. Clear roadmap for policymakers The HPA says its demands in advance of the July general election are designed to provide a clear roadmap for policymakers, ‘ensuring that the UK can meet its ambitious climate emission reduction targets whilst supporting consumers and industry alike’. HPA calls for a consultation on how best to make electricity cheaper by rebalancing electricity and gas prices In particular, the HPA calls for a consultation on how best to make electricity cheaper by rebalancing electricity and gas prices and to honor the commitment of £6 billion worth of funding to support energy efficiency and low carbon heating over the next three years. It also asks the incoming government to explore the possibility of providing interest-free loans to support the upfront cost. Remove barriers to heat pump uptake Its recommendations to remove barriers to heat pump uptake include setting a phase-out date for fossil fuels boilers and confirming the timescales for introducing the Clean Heat Market Mechanism. The HPA also calls for responses to the Future Homes and Building Standards, Home Energy Model Consultations and Changes to Permitted Development Rights consultation. Support smooth transition to low-carbon heating The association also calls for moves to ensure there is an ‘adequate, skilled and competent workforce’ to support a smooth transition to low-carbon heating. Specifically, the HPA calls for a review and extension of the Heat Training Grant, consultation on the best way to require fossil fuel boiler installers to undertake low temperature system design training and to publish the updated mandatory technical competencies, which underpin competent person schemes. Commitment to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions “The upcoming general election presents a pivotal opportunity for the new government to demonstrate, through action, its commitment to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions in line with the UK’s legally binding targets,” said HPA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Charlotte Lee. Charlotte Lee adds, “By adopting our Key Asks, the new government can accelerate the decarbonization of heating, support job creation, increase private sector investment, and crucially enhance the UK’s energy security and help consumers reduce their energy bills.”