# UK heat pump industry development

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-heat-pump-industry-development
> Updated: 2026-10-16T10:08:22.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The UK heat pump industry is addressing workforce shortages and technical installation challenges to support decarbonisation goals.

In September 2026, the GTEC urged heating engineers to utilize government-funded training to combat a shortage in the heat pump workforce. This follows data showing that certified heat pump installations in the first half of 2026 were 17% lower than the same period in 2025. Industry experts noted that meeting the Warm Homes Plan target of 450,000 annual installations by 2030 requires a transition from traditional gas heating to low-carbon technology through qualified installers.

By October 2026, focus shifted toward installation quality and efficiency. The Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) released technical guidance to combat insulation failures, specifically regarding the degradation of external pipe insulation due to UV exposure. This guidance follows MCS audits identifying non-compliant external pipework insulation as a frequent non-conformity. Additionally, the ‘Proof is on the Roof’ campaign was launched to raise awareness about proper insulation selection to prevent significant energy waste.

## Claims

- Energy losses from incorrectly specified and installed thermal insulation are equivalent to those of a large power station. (reported by 1 source)
- Non-compliant external pipework insulation is the most common non-conformity found during MCS audits. (reported by 1 source)
- Standard black elastomeric foam can break down quickly when exposed to sunlight on exterior pipework. (reported by 1 source)
- Air source heat pumps can achieve coefficients of performance between three and four. (reported by 1 source)
- The Heat Pump Association UK launched new guidance for installers regarding the insulation of external hydraulic pipework. (reported by 1 source)
- The 'Proof is on the Roof' campaign aims to raise awareness about selecting correct heat-pump insulation. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: UK heat pump industry issues guidance to combat insulation failures

UK industry groups are warning that improper UV-resistant insulation on outdoor heat pump pipes causes significant energy waste, prompting new technical guidance for installers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heat-pump-industry-issues-guidance-to-combat-insulation-failures

### 2026-09-23: GTEC urges heating engineers to pursue heat pump training

GTEC urges heating engineers to pursue government-funded training to address declining heat pump installation rates and meet UK low-carbon heating targets by 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-heating-industry-faces-workforce-gap-for-heat-pump-targets

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Cite as: UK heat pump industry development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-heat-pump-industry-development