Uniclima welcomes the stated ambition for heat pumps but warns about the fate of hybrid heat pumps.

For this electrification plan to be a success, Uniclima promotes an integrated approach where heating, ventilation, cooling, domestic hot water and intelligent control form a single coherent and optimized "package of equipment" in order to reduce energy demand, maximize the efficiency of heat pumps and ensure lasting comfort in all seasons.

Uniclima wishes to continue working in this direction with public authorities in order to translate into concrete action several proposals discussed in the working groups in which it participated, including the creation of a certificate of conformity for heat pumps, the implementation of a phased renovation scheme or preferential pricing of electricity contracts for equipment packages (heat pumps, high-performance mechanical ventilation) and control…

An ambition for heat pumps that matches the challenges

Uniclima welcomes the objective set by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu: to reach one million heat pumps installed per year by 2030. This objective aligns with the trajectory of the National Low-Carbon Strategy 3, which aims for the installation of 8,8 million heat pumps by 2030. The trade association also applauds the targeted support for equipment manufactured in France and Europe. This approach addresses the dual challenge of reindustrializing the country and decarbonizing energy use.

The objective of accelerating electrification in France sends a strong signal for a sustainable market revival. The announced massification remains compatible with the ramp-up of French industrial capacity, provided that regulatory and economic stability is maintained over time. Manufacturers, who have been investing heavily for several years to modernize their facilities and strengthen their production capacities, need this visibility to regain confidence, adapt their medium- and long-term investments, and anticipate their recruitment needs. The entire sector—manufacturers, wholesalers, and installers—needs this time to transform and adapt their business models.

Relevant guidelines for the future to be defined in consultation with stakeholders in the sector.

Uniclima welcomes the Government's commitment to promoting the installation of heat pumps by reducing out-of-pocket costs through the creation of a turnkey solution for low-income households. The implementation of this system must be coordinated with all stakeholders in the sector to guarantee the quality of installations, ensure the proper integration of a maintenance contract, and mitigate any potential negative impacts. Uniclima hopes to contribute fully to this initiative and calls for a phased implementation to test its effectiveness before wider deployment.

The union also welcomes the government's focus on directing electrification support towards markets with still largely untapped potential: industry, public buildings, and certain specific service sector activities. These segments represent a crucial lever for achieving the expected decarbonization targets.

There is serious concern about the future of hybrid solutions.

Uniclima points out that hybrid solutions are entirely relevant in the deployment of the electrification plan: they allow a first step towards electrification and sometimes represent the only option in view of the constraints on the ground.

Consequently, Uniclima expresses its deep concern regarding the series of measures that jeopardize the future of hybrid CAPs and unnecessarily weaken a historic French sector currently undergoing transition:

• The acceleration of the European timetable concerning new construction, with the elimination of hybrid or supplementary gas boilers in dwellings from January 1, 2027. The union calls for strict adherence to the initial deadlines which are already very restrictive and questions the impacts this could have on cases already underway;
• Uncertainties also remain regarding the treatment of hybrid solutions within renovation aid programs. These uncertainties are compounded by a recent increase in the VAT rate. Uniclima hopes that subsidies for these solutions will be maintained.

For Stanislas Lacroix, President of Uniclima: “The government’s stated ambition for heat pumps is commensurate with the challenges, and we welcome it. For this ambition to materialize, the French industrial sector needs a stable, clear, and sustainable framework. We will be particularly vigilant regarding the role of hybrid solutions, which remain an essential tool for the transition in the existing building stock.”

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.