- Published:
- Tuesday 23 July 2024
Victoria and New South Wales have joined forces with industry to improve the development of heat pump technology as consumer interest rapidly grows.
Funded by both the Allan Labor Government and the Minns Labor Government, the industry-led Roadmap for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia, developed by Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), provides industry and governments a path forward to scale-up the heat pump hot water market.
The roadmap includes 17 recommended actions including revising standards, end-of-life stewardship, industry training, product quality, consumer protections, minimum energy performance standards, and auditing of installations.
In the last 12 months, the uptake of heat pumps in both states has been significant, with more than 104,000 across both states, driven by the Victorian Solar Homes Program and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme.
In Australia, water heating is a major source of household energy, accounting for around 23% of a home’s total energy use. By replacing a gas hot water system with a quality heat pump hot water system, consumers are estimated to save up to $250 per year, on top of additional savings in going all-electric.
To progress the recommendations, both governments will progress a key recommendation to develop a consultation group of industry representatives to support and oversee the development of systems and standards.
Beyond the Roadmap, both government’s advocated to urgently progress minimum energy performance standards at the recent Energy and Climate Minister’s Council meeting. Ministers endorsed this key recommendation from the Roadmap.
For more information and to download the Roadmap, visit the EEC website at eec.org.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio
“I commend the industry on its leadership, recognising that heat pumps are a key technology that is growing rapidly in popularity, and that success of this emerging industry and technology relies on consumer confidence.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe
“We’re pleased to partner with the Victorian Government and industry to drive heat pump technology which is providing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for households across our states.
“We want every Australian to have access to cleaner and cheaper energy and this roadmap will help us to reach that goal.”