Heat Pump Producers Seek Support from Brussels as Sales Decline
Belgium: Heat pumps are emerging as a key technology in Europe’s shift toward cleaner energy, but recent data shows a significant drop in demand. Sales fell by 47% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with only Scandinavia maintaining stable sales. The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) highlights that fluctuating energy prices, uneven subsidies, and low gas costs are hindering heat pump adoption across most EU countries. Despite being more cost-effective than gas heating when electricity prices are around twice the price of gas, heat pump deployment has slowed due to inconsistent national policies. A report by the Reform Institute warns that poorly designed subsidies and high upfront installation costs are further discouraging consumers. The EU aims to install 60 million heat pumps by 2030 to meet emission reduction targets, but current trends suggest a shortfall of 15 million units.
Source: Euronews