FAQs

Initially ground- and water-source heat pumps will be eligible, provided they have a coefficient of performance (COP) over 2.9.

Air-source heat pumps are not initially eligible, but should be later. So should heat pumps that deliver hot air.

Chapter 4 of the government’s RHI announcement says

Heat pumps (ground, water source)

Ground and water source heat pumps will be eligible for the RHI provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. However, air source heat pumps will not be eligible at the start of the RHI.

Eligible heat pumps will be required to have a coefficient of performance (COP) of 2.9 or above. This is to help ensure that heat pumps provide a good return in terms of renewable output and that ultimately, they represent value for money. Applicants will be required to demonstrate, to Ofgem’s satisfaction, that the heat pump meets a COP of at least 2.9; this will usually be part of the equipment documentation supplied by the manufacturer.

[The 2.9 figure is a proxy for the European standard] The EU standard, given in Annex VII of the RED is based on the total useable heat delivered, the average seasonal performance factor and the efficiency of electrical generation. The Commission has committed to providing guidance on how these factors should be measured and we may review our approach once the Commission issues this guidance.