The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (Minister Kim Seong-hwan) announced the ‘Heat Pump Promotion Plan’ at the Industrial Competitiveness Enhancement Ministers’ Meeting and Growth Strategy TF held at the Government Complex Sejong on December 16. Heat pumps are eco-friendly devices that use surrounding heat for heating or cooling without emitting carbon dioxide, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuel heating.
The ministry established the Heat Industry Innovation Division to enhance the efficiency of the thermal energy industry and transition to decarbonization. The plan aims to distribute 3.5 million heat pumps and reduce 5.18 million tons of greenhouse gases by 2035. It includes support for expanding distribution by sector, providing incentives, improving systems, and strengthening the industrial ecosystem.
The plan prioritizes supporting heat pump installation in areas without city gas, single-family homes with solar panels, social welfare facilities, and agricultural heating systems. Additionally, it expands subsidies and long-term low-interest loans for high-energy-consuming industries like bathhouses and swimming pools, and public facilities. After reviewing the performance of the budget support project, the ministry plans to gradually expand the project from 2027 and consider financial support.
To promote heat pump distribution, related laws will be revised, and national standards for high-efficiency household heat pumps will be established. The ministry will also establish the Heat Pump Industry Association to build industry-wide statistics and support technology development and professional workforce training. Minister Kim Seong-hwan expects this measure to be the starting point for decarbonization in the building sector.