Heat pumps “indispensable” to cut emissions
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described heat pumps as “indispensable” in efforts to cut emissions and has urged policy makers worldwide to put their weight behind the technology.
The IEA estimates heat pumps have the potential to reduce global CO2 emissions by at least 500 million tonnes in 2030 – equal to the annual CO2 emissions of all cars in Europe today.
The 110-page report maintains that, while heat pumps cost less to run over their lifetimes than fossil fuel boilers, the support of governments is needed to help consumers overcome heat pumps’ higher upfront costs.
The report, the first comprehensive global outlook on the subject, presents solutions to some of the barriers that would inhibit the rapid expansion of heat pumps. While heat pumps will inevitably increase electricity demand, their energy efficiency, alongside improved grid planning, could greatly reduce the impacts on the grid.
It also sees special training programmes and the inclusion of heat pumps in certifications for plumbers and electrical engineers as a way to help avoid the risk of shortages in skilled labour.
“The additional global upfront investment in heat pumps required to reach announced climate pledges reaches $160bn annually by 2030. However, these costs are outweighed by the economy-wide savings on fuel, especially if energy prices remain close to their current levels,” the report says.
Copies of the report can be viewed and downloaded here.