“They’re all the same.” When it comes to heat pumps, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
From reversible systems cooling and heating homes to larger installations supplying district heating networks or clean process heat to factories, heat pumps come in different sizes, use different technologies and serve very different needs.
Their manufacturing bases and supply chains differ too.
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This diversity matters as EU policymakers discuss a proposed set of rules aiming to strengthen European clean technology manufacturing – the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).
For heat pumps, these ‘made in Europe’ rules should build on the sector’s strengths – such as the 480,000 EU jobs it provides while reflecting the global nature of the supply chain.
Europe already has a strong manufacturing base, particularly for air-to-water heat pumps. EHPA data published in April showed that 80–90% of hydronic monobloc heat pumps sold in Europe were also assembled here. There are over 300 heat pump and component manufacturing sites in Europe.
The European heat pump sector is already strong, and applying the same production requirements across all heat pump types would not reflect its diversity. Overly rigid rules, or changes that move faster than manufacturers can adapt, risk limiting consumer choice, pushing up prices and undermining Europe’s existing manufacturing strengths.
EHPA supports a balanced approach, combining support for European manufacturing with functioning global supply chains. As Parliament and Member States discuss the European Commission’s proposal, preserving this balance is essential.
Our position paper on the Industrial Accelerator Act sets out how to strengthen European manufacturing while protecting affordability and avoiding unnecessary disruption to supply chains.
Different heat pumps need different approaches. ‘Made in Europe’ rules should reflect that, with consumers at their heart.
