New figures released by the Office for National Statistics point to a year-on-year leap in installations.
Overall, there were 33,593 applications to the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024. This is an increase of 67% on the previous 12 months, and a record for the programme which offers up to £7,500 in grants to homeowners in England and Wales.
While this can cover costs associated with installing other low energy sources, heat pumps are making up a rising share of the domestic renewables installation market. However, the number still lags behind the 600,000 per year target Downing Street hopes to reach by 2028.
In order to do so, the Government is reliant on companies rapidly boosting their workforce of qualified engineers and installers. Over the last year, the number of individuals who completed a recognised qualification associated with this growing technology jumped by 15%.
‘The surge in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024 marks a pivotal year for heat pump adoption in the UK as more and more people are switching to cleaner, greener and more affordable heating solutions. The scheme has proven to be a powerful asset in helping households lower their energy bills while contributing to the nation’s efforts to get off gas and reduce carbon emissions, but there is more to be done,’ said Daniel Särefjord, CEO at heat pump manufacturer, Aira UK.
“To truly maximise the scheme’s impact, the government must take bold action. We urge policymakers to move faster on implementation dates for the critical removal of planning permission red tape, which was announced over two months ago and still has no sign of action; to address the ongoing price imbalance between electricity and gas, to increase accessibility within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and to overhaul outdated grid connection processes for heat pump households—ensuring they can benefit from their heat pumps without unnecessary delays.
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