EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

New research from Delta-ee has identified some significant opportunities for hybrid heat pumps, which combine a gas boiler with a heat pump, in the largest European heating markets. Yet, several barriers identified in Delta-ee's latest report are keeping the technology from realising its full market potential.

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The latest report from Delta-ee's Heat Pump Research Service, titled 'The State of Play of the Hybrid Heat Pump Market', found that hybrid heat pumps, with less than 10,000 units sold in Europe in 2014, have had a slow start since their wide-spread market introduction. But the report also identifies market segments in which some significant opportunities exist for these products. These segments can be found within the French retrofit market, the Italian new build market, and the UK market for renewable heat. Despite the potential, a number of key obstacles are currently restricting the uptake of hybrids.

"The barriers working against hybrid heat pumps include system complexity, uncertainty over running cost savings, pricing and a lack of knowledge and awareness of the technology among installers" said Lukas Bergmann, Delta-ee's manager of heat pump research. "Through our in-depth research we have identified three potential market 'sweet spots' or 'wildcards', which, if played right, could drive the technology to fulfil its potential."

Hybrid heat pumps are now common in the portfolios of all major heating equipment manufacturers, such as Bosch, Daikin, BDR Thermea, Viessmann, Vaillant or Ariston. With hybrid products offering the potential to achieve A++ ratings on the new Energy Label and being able to open up the gas boiler replacement market (worth an estimated €25 billion per year) for heat pumps, there are big expectations of the products doing well.

The analysis from Delta-ee, which features a comprehensive European sales survey as well as deep insight into the challenges and opportunities for hybrid heat pumps, concludes that unit sales are to at least quadruple by 2020. However, with the right targeting of market segments and if the key barriers to the technology are addressed successfully, the market has a potential for more than 100,000 units per year.

For more information on this study, please email Andy Bradley, Director of Business Development, andy.bradley@delta-ee.com

About Delta-ee 

Delta-ee (http://www.delta-ee.com) provides commercial insight and market expertise in low carbon heat and distributed energy markets. With in-depth expertise of both heating and energy industries, the company has been tracking the European heat pump markets and technologies since 2009. For 10 years, Delta-ee has been supporting clients through providing strategic insight and analysis on market size, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and potential for future growth. Clients include major manufacturers, energy companies, and technology developers from around the globe.

The State of Play of the Hybrid Heat Pump Market, as part of the Heat Pump Research Service membership, offers insight into key drivers shaping future heat pump markets. Focussing on the technology, policy and customer drivers, it provides market insight and expertise to help you grow your business.

SOURCE Delta Energy & Environment