The UK government has announced a £4.6 million investment in Copeland to expand domestic production of key heat pump components, supporting local manufacturing jobs in Northern Ireland and bolstering the UK’s heat pump supply chain. The funding is part of the Heat Pump Investment Accelerator programme and the broader Plan for Change aimed at decarbonising home heating and boosting energy independence.
Strategic Investment in Heat Pump Supply Chain
Copeland will use the funding to scale up manufacturing of heating compression technology, a critical component of heat pumps. The move is intended to reduce reliance on imported equipment and help shield UK households from volatile international gas markets. The government confirmed that Copeland will match the public funding with additional private investment, further strengthening its domestic production capabilities.
Sando Matic, Europe President for Copeland, said: “This investment marks a pivotal step in advancing clean energy solutions and driving economic growth. By expanding our manufacturing capabilities for heating solutions here in Northern Ireland, Copeland is proud to play a key role in helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the energy transition to more sustainable, electricity-powered heating.”
Market Growth and Skills Development
The announcement comes amid growing consumer interest in heat pumps. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme saw a record 4,028 applications in March 2025—an 88% increase from the same month last year. Under current proposals, the scheme could be expanded to include air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries, alongside new financing models such as leasing and hire purchase.
To meet rising demand, the government also pledged to train up to 18,000 additional professionals through the Heat Training Grant and the newly launched Warm Homes Skills Programme. These initiatives aim to prepare more workers to install heat pumps, solar panels, insulation, and heat networks.
Wider Energy Efficiency Push
The investment in Copeland is part of a multi-pronged approach to improve the UK’s residential energy efficiency. The government is also consulting on new regulations that would require private rental properties to meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher by 2030—up from the current EPC E standard. This regulatory push, combined with increased funding for low-carbon heating, could lift up to one million households out of fuel poverty.
Quote from Government
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh stated: “Our Warm Homes Plan will mean lower bills and warmer homes for millions of families – helping drive better living standards as part of the Plan for Change. We are investing over £4 million in Copeland to continue building a homegrown heat pump industry and training up the army of skilled workers we need to achieve this.”
This funding represents a significant step in expanding the UK’s low-carbon infrastructure while fostering local economic development and reducing emissions from residential heating.