What are the potential challenges that could hamper the Prime Minister’s plan for 600,000 heat pumps a year being installed?

The Environmental Audit Committee will be holding its one-off evidence session on heat pumps, which comes a week after the Prime Minister announced ambitions for 600,000 heat pumps to be installed every year by 2028.

The EAC launched the inquiry last month as part of its work considering how technological innovations could tackle the effects of climate change. Despite its potential to play a major role decarbonising heat - which in domestic, industrial and commercial settings currently accounts for over a third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – there are limitations rolling out the technology. Some of the challenges include cost as they are more expensive than conventional options such as gas-fired boilers.

During this evidence session, the EAC will be exploring the role of heat pumps in decarbonising heat, ways to increase uptake and how to overcome some of the challenges faced such as installation cost mentioned above and public acceptance.

From 14:30

• Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive, Energy UK
• Dr Jan Rosenow, Director of European Programmes, The Regulatory Assistance Project
• Randolph Brazier, Head of Innovation & Development, Energy Networks Association (ENA)
• Dr Howard Porter, Chief Executive, BEAMA (formerly the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers)