Bi-annual data from UK certification body MCS shows a major change in the number of heat pump installations by 2024, as well as a record-breaking first six months for battery storage installations. At the current pace, the annual record for heat pump installations will be broken by the end of 2024
Britain is on course to break the annual record for installing heat pumps by 2024 and has already broken the annual record for small-scale battery storage installations, according to the latest data from certification body MCS. The half-year data for 2024 mentions 27,000 certified heat pump installations for the first six months of the year. This was an increase of 45% compared to the same period in 2023.
MCS has also registered 7,900 certified battery storage installations in the first six months of 2024, already breaking the annual record set in 2023. This represents significant growth since the UK Battery Storage Installation Standard was introduced in 2021. The standard covers battery storage installations with a maximum power of up to 50 kW and complements existing MCS certifications for small-scale generation. UK households are required to use MCS certified installers for domestic low carbon technology such as solar, heat pumps and biomass.
MCS recorded its first battery installation in April 2022 and averaged 34 installations per month for the rest of that year. This increased significantly to around 400 installations per month by 2023 – 4,970 installations were recorded across the UK that year.
MCS data also shows that more than 80,000 UK homes had certified solar panels installed in the first half of 2024.
MCS CEO Ian Rippin said it was “fantastic” to see record numbers of installations and added that high-quality installation work was key to success. He also credited supportive government policies that encouraged the introduction of heat pumps and called for continued state support.
“In addition to consumer confidence in the effectiveness of renewable technology, continued government support can make a significant difference in helping make the transition. The recently published Heat Strategy for Wales highlights a clear commitment to heat pumps, and initiatives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – which provides up to GBP 7,500 ($9,577) towards the installation of a heat pump – are vital in providing support to consumers,” said Rippin, adding that it is “no coincidence” that the record number of certified heat pump installations coincided with a record number of applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Charlotte Lee, CEO of the Heat Pump Association, said the growth of heat pump installations demonstrates the progress the sector has made to support heat decarbonisation. Lee also called on the British government to provide clarity on the future of electrifying heat.
“Clarity and confidence from the new Labor government on the direction of heat electrification will be vital to continue the momentum and ensure we stay on track for a record year,” she said.
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