Factors for enhancing the market development of energy efficient heat pumps – scaling up through European policy instruments

Panel: 9. Improving energy efficiency in ICT, appliances and products

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Carlos Lopes, Swedish Energy Agency, Sweden
Caroline Haglund Stignor, RISE, Research Institute of Sweden
Emma Olsson, Swedish Energy Agency

Abstract

Heat pumps have largely contributed to the almost phase out of fossil fuels for space and water heating in detached houses in Sweden, and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90% since 1990. Ground source heat pumps are now a typical heating solution and equip a quarter of the houses, which is the highest penetration in the world.

The paper focuses on the factors behind this development. Special attention is given to the continuous research, development and dissemination policy programmes since the 70’s. Also, taxes and subsidies are studied, as well as public product testing, information and advice, which have been essential to create consumer acceptance and trust for a new technology. Both the collaboration and the competition between manufacturers are analysed, as well as the training of installers they organise. The replicability of these factors in other situations is also discussed.

The paper analyses also the possibilities for enhancing the coordination between policy instruments at EU and at Member State level. The paper discusses implementation at national level, namely the interaction between standardisation and the verification of requirements under ecodesign and energy labelling implementing measures.

Lastly, the paper explores the perspectives for increasing the market penetration of heat pumps. One crucial factor is the capacity for demand-side flexibility, which can be promoted through ecodesign and labelling implementing measures, and through the buildings smart-readiness indicator.

The paper is based on the experience of the Swedish Energy Agency in its different roles: funding research and innovation, carrying out information and promotion activities, coordinating tests, negotiating requirements at EU level, and as market surveillance authority.