The scheme, which goes live on 4 September in partnership with Daikin UK, aims to make it easier for smaller businesses to install heat pumps by removing financial and administrative barriers.
A key challenge for many smaller firms has been the cost and complexity of achieving MCS certification, which is required to access the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
HPIN Direct will allow local installers to take on heat pump projects without needing to obtain certification themselves. EDF will manage the design, commissioning, certification and funding applications, while providing training to participating installers.
The government has set a target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. Industry figures have questioned whether this is achievable given the current shortage of qualified installers. EDF and Daikin say the new initiative could help expand the workforce and accelerate uptake by simplifying processes and reducing costs.
Clayton Browne, Managing director at EDF Heat Pumps said: “We often hear there are not enough installers for the demand in heat pumps. With HPIN Direct, we are changing this, opening the door so that we can get thousands more installers trained and installing heat pumps – it’s an exciting opportunity for the industry.”
Iain Bevan, Residential New Business director at Daikin UK added: “The demand for heat pump installers is growing ever more urgent – with the current shortage of installers holding back heat pump adoption in the UK market. So, it’s great news that HPIN Direct is changing the game. HPIN and Daikin UK will train and develop a network of local installers across the UK, so they can support their local communities and get more heat pumps into UK homes.”