Urgent Call for Increased Heat Pump Installations to Meet Climate Goals

London, United Kingdom Jul 29, 2026 ALN: The urgency of addressing climate change has never been more pronounced, with the Climate Change Advisory Council emphasizing that heat-pump installations in the country need to increase twentyfold. This dramatic escalation is necessary if the nation is to meet its ambitious targets for improving the energy efficiency of its buildings. The council serves as the Government’s independent advisory body on climate issues, providing insights and recommendations aimed at guiding policy and action.

In addition to the call for increased heat-pump installations, the council has underscored the need for a significant acceleration in home retrofits, suggesting that the current pace must at least double. This recommendation comes in the wake of the recognition that buildings are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and improving their energy efficiency is crucial for achieving national and international climate targets.

One of the key recommendations from the council is the urgent need for clear regulations that would enable apartment residents and renters to utilize plug-in solar panels. This move would not only enhance energy efficiency but also empower individuals in multi-unit dwellings to participate in the transition to renewable energy sources. The council believes that enabling solar energy usage in rented accommodations could significantly contribute to reducing overall energy demand.

Furthermore, the council has called for a definitive plan to phase out oil and gas boilers used for heating by the year 2040, in accordance with European Union regulations. This transition away from fossil fuels is critical to reducing carbon emissions and aligning with broader EU climate objectives. The shift to alternative heating methods, such as heat pumps and other renewable technologies, is seen as essential to meeting these commitments.

Another important aspect of the council's recommendations is the caution against delaying planned increases in the carbon tax. The carbon tax is a vital tool for funding green initiatives and supporting households that are struggling with fuel poverty. The council chairman, Alex White, has articulated that maintaining a robust carbon tax is not only necessary for funding climate initiatives but also for shielding consumers from the volatility of global energy prices.

“As long as Ireland remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels to heat homes and buildings, our households, businesses and public services will remain exposed to global price volatility and energy insecurity,” White stated.

In its annual review of the built environment, the council noted a reduction in emissions from buildings, with a 5 percent decrease from homes and a 3.5 percent decrease from commercial and public buildings last year. However, this decline was largely attributed to a milder winter, which reduced the demand for heating fuels. The council cautioned that these reductions should not be mistaken for genuine structural progress in reducing emissions.

The report highlighted the slow pace of retrofitting social housing, revealing that only 10,370 homes have been retrofitted since 2021, falling short of the target of 36,500 by 2030. To meet this goal, approximately 5,000 retrofits are required annually until 2030. The council has called for increased, sustained, and ringfenced multiannual funding in the upcoming Budget 2027 to enable local authorities to accelerate the retrofitting process.

From 2019 to 2025, retrofitting efforts have resulted in 84,270 privately owned homes achieving a building energy rating of B2. However, this figure is still below the target of 120,000 homes. Despite a 21 percent increase in heat-pump installations last year, the total number of heat pumps installed in existing homes from 2019 to 2025 stands at only 18,550, which is just 41 percent of the 45,000 target for 2025 and significantly below the 400,000 target set for 2030.

The report also revealed a remarkable 96 percent rise in applications for home-energy upgrade grants in the first quarter of this year, following the introduction of enhanced grants in January. This surge indicates a strong public interest in retrofitting, particularly when financial supports are made available and accessible. The council noted that this appetite for retrofitting solutions must be matched with appropriate policy and legislative support.

White emphasized the importance of enabling these solutions through effective policy frameworks, stating, “We have the solutions and we know there is an appetite for them, but they must be enabled through policy and legislation.” The council's recommendations extend to the management of carbon tax increases, urging the government to adhere to the planned trajectory of carbon tax hikes, particularly in light of recent postponements.

The council expressed concern over the potential for further delays in planned carbon tax increases, particularly following the postponement of an increase that was scheduled for May. There are apprehensions within political circles regarding the possibility of additional delays, which could undermine the effectiveness of the carbon tax as a tool for promoting the transition away from fossil fuels.

Moreover, the council cautioned against implementing universal energy credits as a response to the cost-of-living crisis. They argue that any additional financial support during the fossil fuel crisis should be temporary and specifically targeted toward the most vulnerable households, rather than broadly applied across the board.

Another critical issue raised in the report is the capacity of buildings to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. The council highlighted that government commitments to develop “pathfinder” schemes aimed at protecting buildings in coastal areas from the effects of sea-level rise, increased storm surges, and erosion have not yet been initiated. The lack of a timeline for this essential work raises concerns about effective risk management for vulnerable coastal communities.

In conclusion, the Climate Change Advisory Council's report underscores the pressing need for increased heat-pump installations and home retrofits to meet national climate goals. The recommendations outlined in the report call for immediate action from the government to implement supportive policies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks that will enable a swift transition away from fossil fuels and towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The implications of these actions extend beyond environmental benefits, as they also aim to protect consumers from energy price volatility and enhance energy security for households, businesses, and public services alike.