UNETO-VNI
UNETO-VNI
Employers interests in the installation sector
ID: 988976411591-02
Lobbying Activity
Response to Action plan on accelerating Heat Pump market and deployment
25 May 2023
A successful rapid roll-out of heat pumps is an important condition for achieving the climate objectives in the built environment. At the moment there are several obstacles to the successful deployment of heat pumps and production in line with the REPowerEU goals. Techniek Nederland is the branch organisation for the installation sector in the Netherlands and represents approximately 5,500 installation companies. We have a clear vision on how to accelerate the EU-roll-out of heat pumps as we have already started with a plan for an accelerated roll-out of hybrid heat pumps in the Netherlands since July 2022. Our input is based on our experiences so far: Stimulate compatible technology on the European market Stimulate EU member states in making a GAP analysis on green skills and available materials Facilitate member states in developing national training infrastructure for green skills in technology Stimulate EU member states to set up a Register of qualified installation companies Enable fair competition on the installation market and prevent some countries will benefit more than others in de supply chain Make it possible to finance sustainability projects off balance for SMEs and the utility sector Provide more options for SMEs for financing sustainable solutions Develop an European standard communication framework (protocol) for data-driven monitoring/control of sustainable components. Compatible technology for flexible heat solutions: the installers in the Netherlands now have a wide range of heating solutions with different techniques and products that can also coexist and often complement each other well. This offers the installers the opportunity to provide customers with fast and adequate customization in the demand for heating and hot water systems. This enables us to offer flexible solutions, especially now that there is a scarcity of materials and long waiting lists for installation. We ask the Commission to take this broad focus as a guideline when it comes to making the entire heating system more sustainable and not limiting it to a single solution such as the heat pump. We advise to focus on broad product and market development to support SMEs. Dutch SMEs are an important driver for accelerating sustainability. We would like to keep it that way in order to make the acceleration of heat pumps possible. We must ensure that we not only focus our attention on the major players in the chain. Without small installers, the roll-out will not be a success! Each country makes its own GAP analysis: the analysis process enables organizations to determine what is the best way to achieve their business goals. The data provide insight into matters that are still missing or could be improved e.g. the Dutch Hybrid Heat Pumps Action Plan 2022-2024. Each country has the right training infrastructure: based upon the GAP analysis, the Commission must encourage and facilitate member states in developing national training infrastructure for green skills and international exchange of knowledge. Register of qualified installation companies: in order to monitor the professionalism of the installer, Techniek Nederland has developed a Central Register of Technology. The purpose of the digital register is to bring together all qualifications of specialist companies and professionals in installation technology. Enabling fair competition: the Commission must ensure that internal market rules apply to the equal opportunities in the supply of heat pumps to all member states. All production of heat pumps should take place in the EU countries to avoid dependence on countries outside the EU. Enable off-balance leasing of heat pumps: the Commission must make it easier for the business market (SMEs and utility market) to rent or lease a heat pump, e.g. stimulating long-term performance-oriented contracts for installation, maintenance and management. In our attached paper we've elaborated on all our focus points.
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