Call for regulatory reform to unlock heat pump installations
UK – Mitsubishi Electric has called on policymakers to reform regulations governing heat pump installations, arguing that modern high temperature systems could accelerate the decarbonisation of the UK’s existing housing stock while reducing installation costs and disruption.
The manufacturer’s new white paper, Unlocking High Temperature Heat Pump Adoption, examines how advances in high-temperature heat pump technology could help overcome many of the barriers that continue to slow uptake across the residential sector.
The publication comes as the UK Government targets 450,000 heat pump installations annually by 2030 as part of its legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050. While deployment continues to increase, Mitsubishi Electric says concerns over retrofit complexity, upfront costs and compatibility with existing heating systems remain significant obstacles for homeowners, landlords and social housing providers.
Focus on retrofit housing
With buildings accounting for around 21% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and four out of five homes expected to exist in 2050 already built, the company argues that retrofit solutions will be central to meeting decarbonisation targets.
According to the white paper, high temperature heat pumps using R290 refrigerant can simplify retrofit projects by operating at flow temperatures of up to 75°C. Mitsubishi Electric says this enables many existing properties to retain their current radiators and pipework, including microbore systems commonly found throughout the UK’s housing stock.
The manufacturer believes this approach can reduce installation costs, shorten project timescales and minimise disruption compared with conventional retrofit approaches that require extensive upgrades to emitters and distribution systems.
Heat pumps are critical to achieving Britain’s net zero ambitions, but adoption will only accelerate if solutions align with the realities of existing homes.
James Chaplen, Head of Product Marketing and Communications, Mitsubishi Electric
Housing association pilot projects
The white paper also highlights pilot projects undertaken with housing association Sovereign Network Group (SNG). According to Mitsubishi Electric, the trials demonstrated that existing radiators and microbore pipework could be retained when installing Ecodan R290 heat pumps, reducing installation times by up to 40% while lowering costs and improving the installation experience for residents.
Calls for policy changes
Alongside promoting advances in heat pump technology, Mitsubishi Electric is urging government to review regulations that it says no longer reflect the capabilities of modern high-temperature systems.
The company argues that updating these rules would enable wider deployment of high-temperature heat pumps and remove barriers to retrofit installations.
The white paper also reiterates calls to address the “spark gap” (the price differential between electricity and gas) which continues to affect the running costs of low carbon heating systems and influence consumer purchasing decisions.
The white paper is available here.
