Heat pump installations in the UK have already exceeded last year’s total, setting a new milestone for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) with three months still to go in 2024. By the end of September, 42,000 installations were completed—outpacing 2023's total by approximately 4%.
The UK government is launching the Warm Homes Grant in 2025, an exciting initiative aimed at helping homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient. This fully funded scheme is available to those who meet certain criteria and could significantly reduce your energy costs while lowering your home's carbon footprint.
This week, the UK's last coal power station closed, signalling that the country’s energy landscape is undergoing a massive transformation. For over 200 years, coal was king, powering industry and homes alike. But today, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro are rapidly replacing fossil fuels in the national grid. With that change comes a new challenge—and opportunity—for those of us in the heating and plumbing industry.
With the UK election out the way and a new government in place, we feel it’s important to explore the potential implications for the heat pump market now that Labour has taken the helm. For plumbers, particularly those considering diversifying into heat pump installations, Labour's anticipated measures could present significant opportunities in the evolving green energy sector.
The UK remains overly dependent on natural gas, according to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), which provides independent recommendations to the government.
In its recent annual assessment, the NIC highlights the urgent need to reduce reliance on high-cost, high-carbon natural gas and accelerate the adoption of heat pump technology to meet the ambitious net zero targets by 2050. According to the Commission, decarbonising buildings is a critical aspect of this transition and represents the single biggest challenge on the path to net zero.
You've probably heard of heat pumps, but did you know they're here to stay? According to the Heat Pump Association, there has been a “marked increase in heat pump sales over the past six years, with a notable 125% increase in sales between 2018 and 2023, underscoring the rising demand for greener, cleaner heating solutions.”
The plumbing and heating industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, as we have been warning for some time. Last week, it was reported by the Independent that gas boilers are likely to be banned in most new build homes by 2027, as part of efforts to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions. This follows the recent closure of the country’s last coal power plant just a few months ago.
In 2023, Alto Energy soared to new heights! We expanded our warehouse, revamped our heat pump training room, grew our team and achieved record-breaking heat pump sales. As we enter 2024, we’re excited to see the heat pump industry propel forward, advancing heat pump affordability. The recent announcement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regarding increased funding suggests an imminent surge in the heat pump market.
At Alto Energy, we are committed to providing a top-notch training experience for heating installers and professionals in the industry. We are thrilled to announce that the expansion of our warehouse means that we can upgrade our heat pump training facility. These developments signify our dedication to delivering exceptional services and training opportunities to heating installers across the country.
The InstallerSHOW is right around the corner and we’re excited to be exhibiting. The exhibition is being held at the NEC in Birmingham from the 27th - 29th June and you can find us at stand A20 during the 3 day event. Our aim is to meet as many heating installers as we can and help those who are interested in expanding their business into the heat pump market.
As the UK seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable energy sources, the use of heat pumps as an alternative to gas boilers is progressing. However, recent studies have shown that there is a skills gap in the installation of heat pumps, and many engineers are not equipped to install them. This article explores the results from the recent study, the need for upskilling engineers and the services we provide to help fill the gap.
A coalition of energy, fuel poverty, and environmental groups recently called on the UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, to invest billions in upgrading homes with insulation and heat pumps. The group argued that investing in greener homes would make economic sense and create warmer homes with lower bills while improving living conditions.
