Heat pumps

Hydrogen was the future once. But while the UK was quick off the mark in investigating the potential of H2 for heating homes, much of the original plans have been abandoned in favour of solar, wind and electrification, writes Ros Taylor.

There are good reasons to wish for a future with more heat pumps: less fossil gas in the heating sector and therefore less methane leakage and less CO2 and NOx emissions; lower costs for households; and more energy independence for nations. Most of this works best with powering the heat pumps with a bigger share of renewables. In Europe, heat pumps boomed until 2023 and then dipped to 2020 or 2021 levels in 2024. Starting points and paces of change in the heat pump market differ wildly. Let’s have a virtual trip to Sweden, France and Germany and find out why those timelines are so different.

For citizens, the energy transition brings many opportunities to cut their bills. They can benefit from cheap renewables, for instance by using solar power from their rooftop. They can reduce their energy consumption, for instance through energy efficient appliances or building renovation. They can also use renewable electricity to move from one place to another. But not every household can afford the new technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles or heat pumps. The EU offers several rights and regulations that facilitate citizens’ fair participation in the energy transition. Explore our infographic to see which tools make it easier to benefit from the different technologies. This will empower households to escape from rising fossil fuel prices.

Most observers think of heat pumps as small-scale heating systems for houses, businesses and apartment buildings. But XXL heat pumps are already in service and doing the same job for whole city districts. Their practice, if successful, will be an important asset in decarbonising societies and economies. Paul Hockenos reports.

Most Britons have no intention of installing a heat pump. Given the cost of electricity in the UK, that’s not unreasonable. Ros Taylor looks at why it is so hard to tempt them away from gas boilers.

Opinion polls show Germans worried about the climate crisis and in favor of more climate action. The fallout of global warming is one of their most pressing concerns, indeed as it is across Europe. And yet, when it comes to modifying lifestyles or paying higher prices to curb emissions, most say they’re not willing, or only as much as it doesn’t sting. Paul Hockenos reports.