Debate over effectiveness of heat pumps

Water-heating specialist Stiebel Eltron Australia has rejected the findings included in the recent Gas Industry Alliance-commissioned study into heat-pump technology. The study’s claim that heat pumps will deliver negligible environmental benefits under the federal government’s Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme rebate program is misleading.

Glenn Day, General Manager - Renewables at Stiebel Eltron Australia, argues that heat-pump technology is one of the most energy-efficient, water-heating options available: “Typically, 75% of the energy used to drive the heat pump is taken from the air we breathe, and can be considered ‘free’ or ‘renewable’. The remaining 25% can be obtained from renewable energy sources, effectively making the heat pump a ‘zero-impact’, water-heating technology.

“With energy prices and greenhouse emissions projected to rise in the near future, technologies with the potential for such significant energy and cost savings should be championed, rather than vilified.”

Day insists it is fundamentally irresponsible for the Gas Industry Alliance to attempt to mislead homeowners with an environmental conscience: “Head to head on environmental performance, the heat pump beats gas hot water systems in many instances. Gas hot water systems rely solely on the combustion of a non-renewable fossil fuel and offer much less scope for further reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the future - especially given the developments in electricity generation from renewable sources.”

European governments recently recognised heat pumps as a renewable energy technology, acknowledging the potential of aerothermal energy (stored in the air), geothermal energy (stored in the ground) or hydrothermal energy (stored in standing water) as sources of renewable energy.

“It’s only a matter of time before similar legislation is tabled in Australia where climate conditions are even more conducive to heat pump operation when compared with Europe,” continued Day. “Moving forward, homeowners are urged to consult with industry experts to ensure their water-heating solution of choice is engineered to safeguard the environment - now and into the future.”