UK Falls Short on Heat Pump Installation Targets, Threatening Net Zero Goals

A report by the National Audit Office highlights significant challenges, including low public demand and high costs, impeding the nation's transition to cleaner heating.

The National Audit Office (NAO) reports that heat pump installations in the UK are significantly below targets, with only 55,000 installed in 2022 against a goal of 600,000 per year by 2030.
Public awareness and demand for heat pumps are low, despite increased government grants up to £7,500 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Cost remains a major barrier, with heat pump installations averaging £13,300, far exceeding the cost of traditional gas boilers.
The UK government's efforts to rebalance energy prices to make electricity more competitive against gas have been delayed, impacting the attractiveness of heat pumps.
Critics argue that the government's strategy lacks a long-term plan and realistic assumptions about consumer demand for heat pumps.