A heat pump strategy for the next decade [2]

After about ten years of advocacy, heat pumps have now arrived at the center of EU energy and climate policy. First attempts were visible in the white papers of the EU Commission in the early 2000s, becoming more specific in the first phase of renewables and efficiency orientated legislation.
The first versions of the RES, EE and EPBD Directives recognized heat pumps as technology to use renewable energy in a most efficient way while contributing to CO₂ emission reduction targets. This recognition was refined in the "clean energy for all" package (2018-2020).
Beyond political goals, heat pump technologies made an inroad into the modelling of the EU commission. The EU energy systems integration strategy quantified the necessary contribution at around 50 million heat pumps by 2030.
Beyond Europe, also the IEA in its recent "net zero by 2050 report" puts a strong emphasis on heat pumps in heating and industry. It seems, that the decade of heat pumps has started. However it needs more than political goals, as recognition alone will not lead to demand. It requires economic push for private and commercial stakeholders to request the technology.
Here, shortcomings can be seen in many countries. Taking into consideration the targets set by different studies and strategy documents, the presentation aims to give an overview on the necessary foundations for strong heat pump friendly policies. Positive country examples will be used to illustrate the relation between legal framework and purchasing decisions. It is policy and process innovation rather than improved technology that is essential for heat pump success. The national climate and energy plans will serve as a mirror to assess, which countries have a heat pump friendly policy and which still have development. The results of this analysis should be applicable also beyond the boundaries of the European Union.