Foto: Freepik
The European Union has an ambitious goal to lift the number of heat pumps to 60 million by 2030. Still, total sales of the devices in 19 European countries fell by a combined 22% last year, according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).
As part of its energy transition strategy, the EU aims to have 60 million heat pumps in operation by 2030 at the latest. It would allow at least half of European buildings to be heated, and partly cooled, using renewable energy sources. Gas consumption in buildings would be 40% lower than in 2022, saving EUR 60 billion in energy imports and significantly cutting CO₂ emissions.
More than 25 million heat pumps have already been installed in Europe
The intermediate target of 20 million by 2026 was surpassed before the end of 2024, EHPA data shows. Last year, Europe had more than 25 million heat pumps installed. However, reaching 60 million units in less than six years now appears increasingly challenging.
The report notes that after steady sales growth through 2022, the market declined in both 2023 and 2024. Last year, sales in the observed group of 19 countries fell by 22%. The steepest drops were recorded in the Czech Republic (64%) and Germany (48%).
The report’s authors warned that if current trends continue, the EU could fall short by about 15 million units in 2030, or 25% below the target.
Leading markets and new data from Southeastern Europe
France and Italy had the strongest sales in 2024, with 546,000 and 348,000 units, respectively. However, looking at the share of households using heat pumps, Scandinavian countries are in the lead.
Scandinavian countries are in the lead in the household heat pump segment
Norway has 632 heat pumps per 1,000 households, followed by Finland, with 524. Sales remained strong in 2024, with 48 and 33 heat pumps per 1,000 households, the highest levels in Europe.
EHPA published sales estimates for nine additional European countries for the first time, including some that Balkan Green Energy News tracks. Sales in Bulgaria and Croatia amounted to 8,000 units each last year. In Cyprus, 3,000 were bought, compared to 18,000 in Greece, 4,000 in Latvia, 1,000 in Luxembourg, 6,000 in Malta, 10,000 in Romania and 13,000 in Slovenia. There are no historical data for the countries in the group for comparison.
The estimates are based on 2023 sales figures from the EurObserv’ER Heat Pump Barometer 2024, supplemented with 2024 sales estimates provided by heat pump manufacturers.
UK records the largest growth in heat pump sales
The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Portugal were the only countries achieving growth last year. Although the total number of heat pumps in the UK remains relatively small, sales increased by 56% in 2024.
According to EHPA, the progress was driven by a combination of clear and stable policy, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme – offering up to GBP 7,500 per household to replace fossil fuel systems – as well as removing hybrid systems from subsidy schemes, raising public awareness, and increasing the number of trained installers.
Ireland also saw strong sales growth, 19%, underpinned by long-term policy stability and a clear commitment to renewable energy. It ranks fifth in Europe in the share of heat pumps among households. The market initially grew in the new-build sector, where heat pumps have become standard, while the renovation segment is expanding thanks to subsidies and a rising carbon tax.
Additional measures needed
EHPA pointed out that stronger strategic support at the EU level, along with stable legislation and regulations, is crucial for achieving the targets.
“More heat pumps is a win-win for Europe – and it must also be the smart choice for consumers. To get there, electricity prices must be made more competitive, good long-term support schemes put in place and installers trained up, so buying a heat pump is affordable and easy,” said EHPA Executive Director Paul Kenny.
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