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Report highlights growth in heat pump workforce needed to meet UK Net Zero targets
new report released by the Heat Pump Association highlights the sector is on track to train the future heat pump installation workforce needed to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps in line with projected targets, but certainty and increased consumer demand are needed to encourage trained individuals to become active in the workforce.
The report outlines that to meet the previous Government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, over 41,000 full-time roles will be needed across the whole heat pump workforce, rising to 122,000 by 2035 to meet the target of 1.6 million heat pump installations per year.
Covering not only heat pump installers but also the workforce needed from the electrical, plumbing, heating and groundwork trades, as well as the sales and admin resources required to support the transition, the findings outline the growth needed in the total heat pump market workforce to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps in UK homes. With over 7,800 individuals completing a recognised heat pump qualification in 2023, a 133%
increase in 2022 levels, and more than 7,000 having already completed training in the first three quarters of 2024, interest in the training is growing. However, the report reveals that despite positive growth in recent heat pump installer training rates, there is a gap between the number of trained individuals and active heat pump installers working in the market with around 39% of those who complete a training course currently not going on to install heat pumps. Commenting on the report, HPA chief executive Charlotte Lee said: “The publication highlights the need for clarity and action from the Government to increase and sustain interest in heat pump training to meet the UK’s heat pump deployment targets. The availability and provision of courses are not the limiting factors in this instance; rather, there is a lack of confidence in the market and uncertainty about the heat pump deployment pipeline.
Now is not the time for complacency. Although we have seen continued growth and interest in heat pump training, this momentum must continue.
It is essential that action is taken to encourage those trained to apply their skills and gain the experience that must go hand in hand with the training if we are to have the competent
workforce needed to deliver the required growth at scale and speed.”
Commenting on the
report, Dr Richard Hauxwell- Baldwin, head of policy, research and campaigns at The MCS Foundation, said: “Training rates to develop a skilled workforce to meet the demand of Net Zero heating are growing, but it is vital that those who train go on to install heat pumps in order to decarbonise UK homes. To ensure continued confidence and growth in the sector, the Government must introduce long-term policies such as the Future Homes Standard, making heat pumps the default in all new homes, and provide clarity to the market to support investment in the transition to clean heat.’
Alongside the publication of the report, the HPA have published data on its members’ training capacity and geographical range which showcases the capability of the sector to train the new and existing workforce. Currently, HPA members have over 260 training sites which in total have the capacity to train in the region of 80,000 individuals a year.
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Partnership to accelerate roll- out of national heat network
new partnership has been appointed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to deliver progress under the Heat Network Zoning Consultancy Framework.
Global engineering and sustainability development consultancy Arup will be working with its partner, the national mapping service Ordnance Survey (OS), to deliver technical and consulting services around the identification and development of heat network zones in England.
Heat network zoning is designed to transform the development of new heat networks by designating geographic zones so that local authorities and heat network developers can swiftly identify where new large- scale strategic heat networks should be constructed. This strategic approach will enhance the
efficiency of the heat network development process, providing a framework to help streamline
and target the multi-billion-pound investment needed to deliver heat networks on the scale required to meet the UK’s Net Zero goals. It will move the heat network programme from policy planning to large scale implementation, supporting and facilitating the development of new networks. Stephen Cook, director, urban energy, at Arup, commented: “Heat network zoning will drive the development of low carbon heat networks at speed and scale across England. Since 2021, Arup and other partners have been working closely with the DESNZ to assess options and develop the design for how heat network zoning could work in practice. “This new appointment will allow Arup and our partners to help DESNZ pivot from policy design to policy implementation, supporting the formation the new zoning body organisations, equipping them with the tools and capabilities they need to succeed, and driving forward the development of strategic heat network zone projects.”
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10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER DECEMBER 2024 5
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