The importance of heat pump data for policymaking: Insights from the IEA workshop

On January 23, the International Energy Agency (IEA) organised a workshop in Paris, focusing on the critical topic of “The Importance of Heat Pump Data for Policymaking and Innovation.” The discussions were engaging and highly informative, bringing together experts from across the globe to exchange ideas on how data can drive both the advancement of heat pump technologies and the policymaking process.

The IIR was represented by Souhir Al-Hammami, Director of the Scientific and Technical Information Department, and Marco Duran, Head of Policies and Global Partnerships.

Aligning taxonomy and data for effective policymaking

One of the central points of discussion was the alignment of taxonomy and vocabulary regarding heat pumps. The workshop emphasized the need to establish clear definitions, map sources, and identify existing gaps in data collection. This alignment is crucial to ensure that data on heat pumps is not only comparable across regions but also serves as a reliable foundation for informed decision-making. By addressing these data gaps, stakeholders can better understand how to collect, interpret, and use the data effectively.

A challenging year, but a clear long-term vision

Despite the challenges faced in the heat pump market this year, with sales in Europe expected to drop by more than 40% in 2024, the long-term decarbonisation trajectory remains positive. Heat pumps, in all their forms—including the increasingly popular air-to-air systems—will be integral to achieving climate goals. While the sales drop is certainly a concern, it highlights the urgent need for more accurate data to understand market dynamics and the factors influencing deployment rates.

Data as a tool for monitoring and policy assessment

The role of data in monitoring heat pump markets, assessing the effectiveness of policies, and tracking technological progress is indispensable. Participants discussed how comparing data on sales, electricity prices, and subsidies can provide valuable insights into market drivers. By understanding these dynamics, policymakers can refine strategies to support the growth of heat pump technologies, improving efficiency and accelerating adoption.

Challenges in data collection across regions

It was also enlightening to see that challenges in data collection are not limited to one region. Despite the wealth of data already available in Europe, Japan, China, and other regions, issues such as classifying heat pumps, collecting data beyond sales figures (such as efficiency metrics, installation details, and building data), and overcoming regional differences in reporting standards remain significant challenges. These data points are often more difficult to determine and collect, requiring collaboration across industries and borders to streamline processes.

Sharing best practices

The workshop also highlighted the importance of learning from others. Best practices were shared by leading organisations, including the European Heat Pump Association, Assoclima – Association of Air Conditioning Systems Manufacturers (Associazione dei costruttori sistemi di climatizzazione), Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer-Institut für Solar Energiesysteme), International Institute of Refrigeration, and Eurostat. These organisations have made significant strides in data collection, standardisation, and analysis, offering valuable lessons on how to tackle the challenges associated with heat pump data.

Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector can further foster the creation of shared databases and open-access repositories, improving transparency and accessibility. By addressing these gaps, we can enable better tracking of heat pump adoption and their contributions to global cooling initiatives. To advance this mission, IIR and UNEP are chairing a working group called Cooling and Refrigeration Emissions and Energy Data (CREED). This group is dedicated to harmonising data collection, developing standardised methodologies, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while challenges remain, the discussions at the IEA workshop reinforced the crucial role of data in shaping the future of heat pump technologies and their contribution to the decarbonization of the energy sector. With continued collaboration, innovation, and data-driven policymaking, we can ensure that heat pumps will play a key role in achieving a sustainable energy future.