Norway leads Europe in heat pump adoption, whilst the UK currently ranks last for sales in the heat pump market, according to recent European market data. At Navien UK, we believe there are important lessons to help accelerate the transition to renewable heating solutions and build a more energy-efficient future.
Norway’s Heat Pump Leadership: A Model for Europe
Norway has emerged as the leader in heat pump adoption, with more than two-thirds of households equipped with a heat pump, more than anywhere else in the world. Sweden and Finland follow closely, demonstrating that widespread adoption is achievable in northern climates.
In 2024, Norway sold 48.1 heat pumps per 1,000 households, while the UK sold just 3.5 per 1,000 households, highlighting a gap in renewable heating uptake. Yet, the UK market is growing. There has been a 56% increase in sales last year, indicating an opportunity to accelerate the transition with the right strategies.
With forward-looking policies, skilled installers, and consumer incentives, the UK can learn from Norway and unlock the benefits of energy-efficient heating systems.
Why Norway Has Succeeded
Norway’s approach combines innovation, support, and understanding:
Consumer Incentives
Early adoption was encouraged by making fossil fuels more expensive and heat pumps financially appealing.
Skilled Workforce
Norway’s Government invested heavily in training installers, ensuring high-quality installations and satisfied customers.
Policy & Regulation
Long-term policies discouraged fossil fuel use and promoted renewable heating solutions, including a ban on oil boilers in 2020.
Affordable Clean Energy
Hydropower made running costs low, boosting adoption further.
At Navien, we see this as a blueprint: innovation, combined with skilled installer support, drives successful adoption.
The UK’s Current Challenge
The UK is starting to catch up, but challenges remain:
- Cost Perception: Even with grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 for air source heat pumps), heat pumps are still considered expensive.
- Installer Skills: Lack of trained installers slows growth. At Navien, our training programmes aim to build installer confidence with advanced systems like the PEM750 heat pump.
- Regulatory Barriers: Recent updates to the Warm Home Plan remove restrictions, making installations easier, but awareness is low.
By addressing these challenges, the UK can increase heat pump adoption and move towards ambitious targets set by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) by having 600,000 units installed per year by 2028.
A Smart Choice for Consumers
Heat pumps are efficient, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly. Even when electricity grids rely on fossil fuels, a heat pump can be up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.
With updated policies, growing incentives, and better-trained installers, the UK has the potential to replicate Norway’s success. For homeowners, this means lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a sustainable heating solution for the future.
Navien’s Role in the Renewable Heating Transition
At Navien UK, we are delivering reliable, high-performance solutions designed for the needs of modern homes and installers:
- Our PEM750 heat pump represents the latest technological advances, providing high-performance, eco-friendly heating solutions.
- We empower installers with hands-on training through our partnership with Ultimate Renewables, ensuring confidence in every installation. Supporting the transition to cleaner, smarter heating across the UK.
- As the country moves towards a more sustainable future, we provide insight into regulatory changes policy trends, and best practices, helping both installers navigate the transition smoothly.
With the right combination of training, incentives, and innovation, the UK can accelerate heat pump adoption and join Europe’s leaders in renewable heating solutions.
Ready to make the switch to energy-efficient heating?
Explore Navien’s high-performance PEM750 heat pump today and see how our innovative technology, full installer support, and training programmes can help you upgrade to smarter, greener heating.
