Greece backs 130,000 heat pumps in €4.77bn climate plan

GRE – Greece will support the installation of at least 130,000 heat pumps in vulnerable households under its €4.77bn Social Climate Plan, which has been endorsed by the European Commission. The heat pumps form part of a target to replace 200,000 outdated heating and hot-water appliances by the end of 2031, with the support scheme due to open in the second quarter of 2027.

Heat pump programme starts in 2027

The Commission’s approved implementation targets require 40,000 heat pumps or solar water heaters to be installed by the end of 2028, rising to 90,000 in 2029, 140,000 in 2030 and 200,000 by the fourth quarter of 2031.

At least 130,000 of the 200,000 appliances supported must be heat pumps, with installations targeted at homes occupied by vulnerable households.

The first call for replacing outdated and energy-intensive heating and hot-water systems is scheduled for Q2 2027 and will be accompanied by an implementation guide.

Wider investment in homes

The heat-pump programme sits within a broader package of residential energy-efficiency measures.

Around €1.75bn is allocated to upgrades for homes occupied by vulnerable households, including the appliance replacement programme and renovations to 62,000 dwellings.

The renovations must deliver an improvement of at least three energy-performance classes, with the final target due by Q2 2032.

Funding tied to delivery

Greece’s Social Climate Plan has estimated total costs of €4.775bn, including a maximum €3.580bn contribution from the EU Social Climate Fund and a €1.196bn national contribution.

The Commission positively assessed the plan on 27 August 2026.

Funding will be released in instalments linked to the achievement of agreed milestones and targets rather than provided as an upfront award. Greece must also address weaknesses identified in its internal control systems before receiving its first payment.

The Commission says Greece could submit its first payment request in Q1 2027 once implementation has started and initial results have been achieved.