The high temperature heat pump will be available for sale in the UK and other major European markets.
Designed by Dr Jason Cassells, CEO of Octopus-acquired Renewable Energy Devices (RED) (now Octopus Heating), the entry level 6kW heat pump is aimed at a typical 3-bed home and will be available from December with “more and larger models following over the next six months,” according to the manufacturer.
The devil is in the detail
The announcement, described as ‘the iPhone moment for heat pumps’ with its potential to break down perception barriers, drive demand and encourage greater uptake, was cautiously welcomed by installers who are keen to see more details on performance and whether the product will be made available to independent installers.
With the product going on sale later this year with 6kW, 10kW and 15kW models and currently being performance tested there is little detail available to back up talk of a SCOP of >4 at 45 degrees flow rate based on previous RED products.
A heating professional with over 35 years in the sector welcomed Octopus’ ‘investment in the customer journey’ saying that ‘getting the price down for the customer is vital for more uptake’ but also highlighted the need for ‘sound design and product specification’ to ensure a quality heat pump installation that delivers efficiency throughout its lifetime and running costs that favour the homeowner.
With the R&D team at Octopus described as ‘second to none’ by an installer who has worked with the team we look forward to publishing real world performance data once available.
Free with BUS
Octopus entered the heat pump market in 2021 with the launch of Britain’s first heat pump R&D centre in Slough. Since then, the company has invested over £50 million to drive the rollout of heat pumps.
Built entirely in-house in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, the new product was presented at last week’s Energy Tech Summit in London as part of the energy company’s smart heating system, Cosy Octopus, which integrates a heat pump, controls, room sensors and tariff.
Cosy Octopus is free for homes that don’t need any work to fit the system after the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Homes that need adjustments – such as new radiators, piping or a hot water tank – will get the system from around £3,000 after the grant.
A game changer
Heading into winter, the focus of UK households once again turns to finding lower-cost, cleaner home heating options. Octopus claims that its new system isn’t just “as warm as a boiler”, but that its radical new design ends the world of “ugly heat pumps” and will deliver efficient home comfort by offering the best performance at the cheapest and greenest times, allowing customers to save money on heating bills.
“This is a game changer for the heating market as heat pumps finally become cost competitive with gas boilers,” commented Nina Moger Bengtsson, chief of staff for Kraken Technologies who also called for a rethink on electricity levies to drive down running costs for the new product which she described as ‘the sexiest heat pump in the world’.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy Group, comments: “This is a huge day for clean heating. The combination of a high-temperature heat pump, Octopus smart tariffs and room sensors across your home doesn’t just open up cheaper clean heating – but more comfort too.”
In just eight years, Octopus Energy has challenged legacy market incumbents to become the second largest energy supplier in the UK.