1 European market statistics
As heat pumps are not counted in the different national energy statistics, the European Heat
Pump Association as an industry association has been compiling market statistics since 2002.
While the quality of data has been improving step by step this process is still far from being
complete. The difficulties in creating EU wide statistics range from a pure lack of data in some
countries to differences in the definition of different types of heat pumps in others. As an
example: The major issue for the use of air source heat pumps in southern European countries –
from a statistics perspective – is the distinction between reversible heat pumps (HPs) primarily
used for heating purposes and air-conditioners with heat pump function. Consequently, air
source units have been treated differently depending on the heat distribution system and on the
country where they are installed. Details are given in the country examples. This aspect has
gained in importance with a better overview of reversible heat pumps used in southern
European countries.
Currently, only Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland are
able to provide a reliable data set while no comprehensive data exists from Southern European
countries (besides Italy). The existing data from these countries is used to compile a comparative
overview. For countries, where estimates exist, these are presented in the country overview. In
order to allow for a comparison of data from 2006 and 2007 the statistics from 2006 were
recompiled. Those data that had to be considered »educated guesses« were eliminated.
Consequently, the number of heat pumps sold in 2006 – as stated in this document - is lower
than that stated in previous reports.
1.1 General market trends
Heat pumps have seen a favorable market development in 2007. More and more decision
makers – from the policy level to the house owner – know about the technology and include it
into their respective reasoning. Heat pumps are not only acknowledged as heat source for
buildings but also as a contribution towards the reduction of exhaustible primary
energy, the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions. Most prominently, heat pumps have been included as a technology that uses
renewable energy sources from air, water and shallow ground in the Commission proposal for a
new Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources.
The total market for all space heating heat pumps including reversible units, has
reached 392.756 units in 2007 (see figure 2). This is an overall growth of 6% over 2006s
370.447 units. This number should be understood as the most cautious assessment of
the total EU market. Based on expert estimates the total market most likely exceeds
this number by 80.000 to 100.000 units. Thus the market for 2007 can be assessed to be
close to 500.000 units.
Figure 2: Space heating heat pump sales by country: 2007