Victoria and New South Wales have joined forces with industry to improve the development of heat pump technology as consumer interest rapidly grows.
The industry-led Roadmap for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia was developed by the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) and funded by both the Victorian and New South Wales governments. It provides industry and governments a path to scaling the heat pump hot water market.
“I commend the industry on its leadership, recognising that heat pumps are a key technology growing rapidly in popularity. The success of this emerging industry and technology relies on consumer confidence,” Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said
The roadmap includes 17 recommended actions, including revising standards, end-of-life stewardship, industry training, product quality, consumer protections, minimum energy performance standards, and installation auditing.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Victorian Government and industry to drive heat pump technology. It will provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for households across our states,”
Minister for Climate Change and Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said. “We want every Australian to have access to cleaner and cheaper energy. This roadmap will help us reach that goal.”
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 per cent 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 pivotal recommendation to develop a consultation group of industry representatives to support and oversee the development of systems and standards.
Beyond the Roadmap, both governments advocated urgently progressing minimum energy performance standards at the recent Energy and Climate Minister’s Council meeting. Ministers endorsed this key recommendation from the Roadmap.
Image: Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com
