The Role of Heat Pump Data in Shaping Policies: Key Takeaways from the IEA Workshop

On January 23, the International Energy Agency (IEA) hosted a workshop in Paris titled “The Importance of Heat Pump Data for Policymaking and Innovation.” The event gathered international experts to discuss the critical role of data in advancing heat pump technologies and crafting effective policies.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) was represented by Souhir Al-Hammami, Director of the Scientific and Technical Information Department, and Marco Duran, Head of Policies and Global Partnerships.

Aligning Heat Pump Taxonomy for Effective Policymaking

One of the primary focuses of the workshop was the need to align terminology and establish standardized data collection methods. Participants emphasized the importance of creating clear definitions, mapping data sources, and addressing gaps in data collection. This alignment is vital for generating comparable data across regions and forming a robust foundation for informed decision-making.

A Year of Challenges but Long-Term Optimism

Despite market challenges, such as an anticipated 40% drop in heat pump sales across Europe in 2024, the workshop highlighted a promising long-term outlook for the technology. Heat pumps, including the increasingly popular air-to-air systems, remain integral to achieving decarbonization goals. The sales decline underscores the urgency of improving data to better understand market trends and deployment barriers.

Data as a Policy Tool

The participants stressed the importance of data in monitoring market trends, assessing policy effectiveness, and tracking technological progress. Analyzing data on sales, electricity prices, and subsidies can provide policymakers with actionable insights to refine strategies for improving heat pump efficiency and adoption rates.

Addressing Data Collection Challenges

While some regions, including Europe, Japan, and China, have a wealth of data, gaps remain in areas such as efficiency metrics, installation details, and building-specific data. The workshop revealed that these challenges are universal, requiring coordinated efforts across industries and regions to improve data collection and standardization.

Learning from Best Practices

Key insights were shared by organizations such as the European Heat Pump Association, Assoclima, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, IIR, and Eurostat. These groups have made progress in data collection and analysis, offering valuable models for addressing the challenges associated with heat pump data.

Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector is essential for developing shared databases and open-access repositories. Initiatives like the Cooling and Refrigeration Emissions and Energy Data (CREED) working group, chaired by IIR and UNEP, aim to harmonize data collection methodologies and foster global cooperation.

A Path Forward

The IEA workshop highlighted the indispensable role of data in driving innovation and shaping the future of heat pump technologies. By addressing gaps, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration, stakeholders can ensure that heat pumps remain a cornerstone of sustainable energy policies and contribute meaningfully to decarbonization efforts.

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