In a move designed to break down barriers in the UK’s drive toward low-carbon heating, EDF Heat Pumps has launched a new scheme in partnership with Daikin UK to make government funded heat pump installations more accessible to local installers. The initiative, called HPIN Direct, aims to address a nationwide shortage of certified heat pump installers by opening up access to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grants—without requiring installers to hold their own MCS certification.
Addressing the Installer Shortage
With the UK government targeting 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, the sector has faced a critical shortage of certified professionals. Many smaller or independent installers are locked out of the market due to the high cost and complexity of achieving MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation—a requirement to access the BUS, which offers up to £7,500 toward the cost of eligible heat pump systems.
HPIN Direct removes that barrier by allowing installers to operate under EDF’s MCS umbrella, enabling them to deliver BUS-eligible installations without holding their own certification.
“This is about levelling the playing field,” said a spokesperson from EDF Heat Pumps. “Installers can now focus on the job they’re trained to do, while we take care of the compliance and paperwork.”
How the Scheme Works
Under HPIN Direct:
- EDF holds the MCS certification, allowing local installers to complete BUS-eligible work.
- EDF manages all design, commissioning, and grant applications.
- There are no subscription fees for installers to join the scheme.
- A simplified bundle pricing model—covering the Daikin heat pump, cylinder, and controls—is offered to streamline quoting and reduce friction.
- Installers receive ongoing technical support and training, in partnership with the Sustainable Home Network.
By simplifying the installation process, the scheme accelerates deployment without compromising the standards needed for government backing.
Opening the Market to More Installers
HPIN Direct is expected to significantly expand the pool of professionals able to carry out government-backed heat pump installations. The scheme lowers the threshold for participation while preserving quality and compliance.
“We want skilled tradespeople across the UK to benefit from the transition to low-carbon heating—without being burdened by unnecessary red tape,” said a Daikin UK spokesperson.
Implications for Homeowners and the Net Zero Target
For homeowners, the scheme should make it easier to find qualified installers and benefit from grant-funded heat pump installations. For policymakers, it offers a practical pathway to ramp up heat pump adoption at scale—critical to the UK’s net zero commitments.
While the scheme doesn’t alter the eligibility rules of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme itself, it opens access to installers who were previously excluded from the process—creating a potential ripple effect across the residential heating market.
Looking Ahead
The launch of HPIN Direct comes as EDF continues to invest in its low-carbon heating workforce, including the recent opening of a new heat pump training academy. Industry experts hope this umbrella-style model will serve as a blueprint for broader adoption across the sector.
For more information or to register as an installer under HPIN Direct, visit:
https://www.edfenergy.com
https://www.daikin.co.uk