New figures compiled by Aira, a UK heat pump business, show that Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) applications have surged 54% year-on-year.

According to the Climate Change Committee, total heat pump sales in 2024 reached nearly 100,000 units—a figure likely to be surpassed again this year as the UK races toward its target of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028.

Chris Collinson, Aira UK CEO, said: “Achieving the national target of 600,000 annual installations by 2028 requires an average annual growth rate of around 50%, and current trends suggest this is within reach.

“These figures highlight that the heat pump industry is one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors, with the potential to significantly contribute to the Prime Minister’s manifesto pledge to create 650,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector.”

With planning permission requirements removed for heat pumps installed within one metre of a property boundary, the proportion of Aira customers needing planning permission has dropped from 30-40% to just 5-10%, the company reports.

He adds, “This change has enabled homeowners to complete their installations and access the benefits of heat pumps more quickly, without waiting up to six months for planning approval. Now, we urgently need to reform electricity taxes to further increase heat pump adoption and cost savings for people across the UK.”