HPA UK presses for non-domestic heat pump plan
UK – The Heat Pump Association UK has called for a dedicated national plan to accelerate heat pump deployment across commercial, public sector and industrial buildings, arguing that the non-domestic market now needs clearer policy direction if it is to scale beyond its current niche position. In its latest recommendations paper, the trade body said greater certainty on electrification, funding and grid access is needed to unlock wider investment and supply chain growth.
The publication sets out a series of asks for government, including a “Plan for the Electrification of Non-Domestic Heat”, a dedicated taskforce, lower electricity costs relative to fossil fuels, clarity on successor support following the closure of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in June 2025, and fast-track grid connection zones for industrial electrification. It also calls for business models that can attract private finance into heat pump deployment.
The paper argues that the gap between domestic and non-domestic deployment remains substantial. While UK heat pump sales exceeded 125,000 units in 2025, most were installed in homes. HPA UK points to the Climate Change Committee’s expectation that 88% of non-residential heating should come from low-carbon sources by 2040, with rapid electrification needed to support the UK’s wider 2050 targets.
Supply chain concerns
Bean Beanland, commercial and industrial consultant at HPA UK, said the planned Future Homes and Buildings Standard requirement for low-carbon heating in non-domestic buildings from 2028 was a positive step, but warned that new-build policy on its own would not be enough to sustain the market infrastructure built up under public-sector decarbonisation programmes.
Without a clear strategy and stable policy framework, the retrofit market risks underperforming, putting these vital supply chains, including UK companies and employment, at risk
Bean Beanland, commercial and industrial consultant, HPA UK
Laura Bishop, co-chair of HPA UK, said: “Our members are already collaborating on effective solutions to scale heat pump adoption in non-domestic buildings. We look forward to continuing our work with Government, building on the strong progress already made, and putting in place the frameworks needed to accelerate delivery and support the UK’s transition to electrified heating.”
The association also said the sector has a role to play in supporting market growth, including improving case study evidence, strengthening sales data for larger systems, developing technical guidance, and expanding workforce capacity.
Key points
- HPA UK calls for a national plan to electrify non-domestic heat
- Focus on commercial, public sector and industrial applications
- Key asks include lower electricity costs, funding clarity and faster grid connections
- Warning that retrofit supply chains could weaken without a stable policy
- Industry expected to support growth through data, guidance and skills
