1 December 2026
Brussels, Belgium
#HPForum 2026
1 December 2026
SQUARE Brussels
The 2025 edition of the Heat Pump Forum, held on 23-24 September at MIX Brussels, asked how Europe can ensure its energy security while reducing reliance on fossil fuels? What role can heat pumps play in strengthening industrial competitiveness, integrating with grids and district heating, and keeping energy affordable for households and businesses? How can misinformation about clean heating be addressed? Reducing tax on electricity and training up installers emerged as essential solutions.
· Market stability: Discussions emphasised the need for stable policy frameworks and the growth of industrial heat pumps to decarbonise high-demand sectors.
· Skills and ambassadors: Priority was placed on installer training and communication strategies to combat misinformation in the heating sector.
· Grid flexibility: Heat pumps were highlighted as the "backbone of the energy system," providing the flexibility needed to manage demand and lower consumer bills.
· Recognition: The event brought together 300 attendees and concluded with the Heat Pump Awards, celebrating Europe’s most impactful innovations.
The Heat Pump Forum 2024 reaffirmed heat pumps as a cornerstone of Europe's clean energy transition. The heat pumps installed in Europe are reducing carbon emissions from buildings by about 5%. But barriers like high electricity prices and a lack of skilled workers slow down the market. Clear and long-term policies at both EU and national levels are crucial, starting with the publication of the delayed EU Heat Pump Action Plan.
· Policy & market reform: the EU Heat Pump Action Plan and reform of electricity pricing to address the gap between gas and electricity prices.
· Consumer engagement: misinformation hinders heat pumps uptake. Initiatives like Heat Pump Day (21 October) aim to build public trust.
· Financing: subsidies, low-interest loans, and "one-stop shops" are key.
· Industrial heat pumps offer major decarbonisation potential but need standardisation.
· Grid & digitalisation: heat pumps provide grid flexibility, enabling 18% bill savings with smart tariffs. Grid modernisation is key to handling electrification demand.
· Recognition: the Heat Pump Awards 2024 celebrated projects that effectively integrated heat pumps in diverse climates, showcasing versatility and innovation.
The Heat Pump Forum 2023 in Brussels brought together EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson with energy experts, business chiefs, policymakers and 250 participants for insights, exchanges and business opportunities. Discussions focused on the EU 'REPowerEU' plan's ambition to double annual heat pump installations and on the technologies and strategies needed to deliver.
· Policy alignment: policies to support heat pump deployment alongside wider energy objectives.
· Innovation pathways: R&D to address barriers and accelerate roll-out.
· Consumer engagement: clear information and education to build awareness and acceptance.
· Networking and collaboration: new connections, partnerships and business opportunities across Europe.
· Recognition: the Heat Pump Awards 2023 attracted 40+ applications, reflecting growing innovation in the sector.
The 2022 edition of the Heat Pump Forum brought together key industry players and policymakers to discuss strategies for achieving the EU's goal of 60 million heat pumps by 2030. The sector widely agreed on the need for an EU plan to accelerate heat pump rollout to meet the EU's targets for reducing fossil fuels and decarbonising.
· Collaborative efforts: emphasised the partnership between policymakers and the heat pump industry in a joint effort to promote sustainable heating solutions.
· Market frameworks: participants focused on establishing suitable market frameworks for large-scale heat pump deployment.
· Innovative projects: the event showcased advanced heat pump technologies that can address climate objectives effectively.
· Recognition: the Heat Pump Awards 2022 featured projects from 12 different countries, underscoring the commitment to heat pump technology and innovation across Europe.