The Victorian and New South Wales governments, in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC), have released a strategic plan to advance heat pump technology in response to growing consumer demand. The roadmap, funded by both states, details 17 key actions designed to enhance industry standards, consumer protections, and energy efficiency, aiming to deliver sustainable and cost-effective water heating solutions for households.
This jointly funded initiative, titled the Roadmap for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia, outlines a comprehensive strategy to expand the market for heat pump hot water systems. It serves as a guide for industry stakeholders and government bodies, detailing necessary steps to scale up the adoption of this technology.
Among the 17 recommended actions are plans to update existing standards to reflect the latest technological advancements and establish protocols for the responsible disposal and recycling of heat pump systems. The roadmap also emphasizes the importance of enhancing training programs to equip professionals with the skills needed for installation and maintenance, ensuring high-quality benchmarks to build consumer trust, and implementing measures to safeguard against substandard products and services. Additionally, setting baseline energy efficiency requirements and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with prescribed standards are key components of the plan.
The Victorian Government reported a substantial increase in heat pump installations over the past year, with over 104,000 units installed across both states. This surge has been driven by programs such as the Victorian Solar Homes Program and the New South Wales Energy Savings Scheme. Water heating accounts for approximately 23% of total energy use in Australian households. Transitioning from gas to heat pump hot water systems can lead to significant savings, estimated at up to $250 annually in reduced energy costs, with additional savings for households transitioning to fully electric systems.
A key recommendation from the roadmap is the establishment of a consultation group comprising industry representatives. This group will play a crucial role in supporting and overseeing the development of new systems and standards, ensuring the successful implementation of the roadmap.
Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy, and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, praised the industry's proactive approach, stating, "I commend the industry on its leadership, recognising that heat pumps are a key technology that is growing rapidly in popularity, and that the success of this emerging industry relies on consumer confidence."
New South Wales Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, echoed these sentiments, adding, "We’re pleased to partner with the Victorian Government and industry to drive heat pump technology, which provides a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for households across our states. We want every Australian to have access to cleaner and cheaper energy, and this roadmap will help us reach that goal."
The collaborative efforts of the Victorian and New South Wales governments, alongside the EEC, mark a significant step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. By implementing these actions, the roadmap aims to position heat pump hot water systems as a leading technology in the fight against climate change, offering substantial environmental and economic benefits for Australian households.