Market news, 26 November 2024
Ideal Heating has been awarded £5.2 million in Government funding to expand its production of heat pumps in the UK. The funding, complemented by an additional £6.8 million investment from Ideal Heating and Gledhill, brings the total investment to £12 million. This initiative is the first award under the Government's Heat Pump Investment Accelerator competition, designed to stimulate private sector investment in the UK heat pump market.
The investment will enhance production capacities at Ideal Heating’s Hull facility for monobloc heat pump units and controls, as well as at Gledhill's Blackpool site for pre-plumbed hot water cylinders. By 2030, the Hull site is expected to produce 115,000 air source heat pumps annually, alongside 120,000 hot water cylinders manufactured in Blackpool.
This marks a significant milestone for British manufacturing, bolstering the UK’s energy security and creating hundreds of low-carbon jobs, while supporting the Government's commitment to developing a homegrown heat pump industry.
Ideal Heating is currently midway through a £60 million investment program in its Hull operations, focusing on production, distribution, and R&D capabilities with a particular emphasis on heat pump technology. This includes the launch of its first heat pump production line in August 2023 and the ongoing construction of a £19 million UK Technology Centre in Hull. The new centre will act as a hub for product innovation and advancements in heat pump technology.
In addition to manufacturing advancements, Ideal Heating’s Expert Academy is leading efforts to retrain gas engineers nationwide, equipping them with the skills needed to install and maintain heat pump systems and other low-carbon heating solutions.
Heating accounts for nearly 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, rising to almost 40% when including commercial properties. Decarbonizing heating systems is a critical step in meeting the UK Government’s 2050 net zero target.
Ideal Heating’s focus on low-carbon solutions reflects its long history of innovation, transitioning from coal to gas-powered products and now to sustainable heat pump technologies. This funding and the accompanying investments position the company as a leader in the UK’s shift to greener heating solutions.
The funding award was marked by a visit from Miatta Fahnbulleh, the UK Minister for Energy Consumers, to Ideal Heating’s headquarters and National Training and Technology Centre near the Humber Bridge. This collaboration highlights the Government’s partnership with industry leaders to accelerate the transition to sustainable heating solutions, while supporting economic growth and energy security.
Ideal Heating’s investments in heat pump production, innovation, and training underscore its commitment to driving the decarbonization of heating in the UK. With enhanced production capabilities and a strategic focus on low-carbon technologies, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming how homes and businesses are heated, aligning with the nation’s net-zero ambitions.
