The UK saw record heat pump installations in July helping it to reach 250,000 installations in total.
The figures in July were double those that were seen in July 2023 showing renewable energy and heat pumps are becoming a more popular choice for homeowners in the UK.
However, the UK's figures still fall significantly short of its closest neighbours showing much work is still needed to cut the gap.
In July 2024, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme saw significant activity, with 48,982 voucher applications received, mostly for air source heat pumps, which made up 96% of the total.
The number of applications increased by 13% from June 2024 and doubled compared to July 2023.
By the end of July, 41,770 vouchers had been issued, a 28% increase from the previous month, setting a record high for the scheme, aside from October 2023's post-grant uplift period.
Redemption applications (claims submitted after the installation of a heat pump to redeem the voucher granted under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme) also reached a record 2,071, marking the first time redemptions exceeded 2,000.
250,000 milestone hit for heat pump installations
These record figures have helped the UK heat pump industry reach a historic milestone with data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) revealing that more than 250,000 certified heat pumps in total have been installed across the UK.
Solar battery storage installations were also shown to have risen with over 15,000 installations overall with over 10,000 coming this year.
Ian Rippin, chief executive at MCS, said: "July was the fifth month in a row to have more than 4,500 certified heat pump installations, maintaining progress towards 2024 being a record year for the technology – by a sizeable margin. In total, there have now been over 250,000 certified heat pumps installed in the UK, which is a significant milestone in the adoption of small-scale renewables.
"The extraordinary rise in the number of certified battery storage installations shows that more UK homeowners are switching on to the benefits of renewable energy."
UK still lagging behind its European neighbours
Despite the UK reaching new record figures for heat pumps it is still significantly behind the leading heat pump nations.
In European tables, it has been revealed the UK ranks 13th out of 21 countries for total heat pump installations, according to the European Heat Pump Association.
The EHPA heat pump market and statistic report 2024 also revealed that the biggest heat pump markets are now France and Germany, with France and Italy having the largest total numbers installed.
However, Norway and Finland lead the way 635 and 512 per 1,000 people with the UK having just 14.5 per 1,000 people showing how much the UK still needs to do to catch up with its European counterparts.
