The demand for heat pumps in the UK has surged 75% year-on-year, according to the government, which says its net zero plan is working.
Heat pumps are seen as key to meeting the UK’s 2035 climate targets by halving the carbon emissions from heating buildings.
Despite this, the government has struggled to garner public support for its ambition to get 600,000 heat pumps to be installed every year by 2028 due to the high cost of installation.
The new figures show that heat pump grants in February this year rose by 75% year on year, marking the fourth month that there have been more than 2,000 applications since grants for air-source and ground-source heat pumps increased to £7,500.
It means the monthly average for applications received between November 2023 and February 2024 is 45% higher than the monthly average before the grant uplift, the government said.
The figures, the government said, had been fuelled by the grant increase and prove its net zero plan is working.
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The UK has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Up to the end of February, there have been 35,741 applications and the scheme has paid out close to £127 million in vouchers to customers, government figures show.
A report last year found that half of British homeowners are considering heat pumps as they look to save money and carbon.
But the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has told the government it needs to invest more money to install heat pumps, if it is to meet 2035 targets.
Energy security secretary, Claire Coutinho, said: “No family should be forced to make changes that aren’t right for them. With the right support – like the 50% increase in heat pump grants – families can make their homes warmer and cut their emissions without breaking the bank. Figures out today show that our plan is working with applications up by 75% from last year.”
Lord Callanan, minister for energy efficiency and green finance, said: ‘Demand for heat pumps is soaring, as we make it easier than ever to make the switch to electric heating without big upfront costs.
“Our boosted £7,500 grants are helping people create a warm home and lower their emissions. And with applications up 75%, it’s clear our approach is hugely popular with many families.”
