NSW Government launches funding program to help businesses explore Energy-Saving Heat Pumps

Aimed at assisting businesses across diverse sectors and applications - including recreational pool heating - to investigate the feasibility of energy-efficient heat pump technology, the NSW Government has launched a new $1 million grants program.

Electric heat pumps are far more efficient than gas boilers, using significantly less energy and producing fewer carbon emissions. While a gas boiler might be 90% efficient, a heat pump can exceed 400% efficiency.

Switching to energy efficient alternatives like heat pumps can help businesses lower energy costs, reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices and cut carbon emissions.

The Heat Pump Feasibility Grants provide up to $30,000 to cover 75% of project costs to support heat pump feasibility studies.

These studies will empower businesses to make informed decisions about adopting heat pumps. Specialist consultants will assess the potential for heat pumps to provide a practical and cost-effective solution and provide expert guidance.

These projects will include:

• initial screening to identify barriers to heat pump installation at the site

• heat pump design options informed by energy data

• detailed feasibility study to assess if a heat pump is the right fit for the site.

Heat pumps offer efficient solutions across diverse sectors and applications, from generating industrial process heat to providing commercial space heating, from recreational pool heating to laundry hot water.

By understanding the potential benefits of heat pumps through feasibility studies, businesses can make informed decisions about upgrading heating and cooling systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future and lower operating costs.

The funding is open to businesses in NSW that use between 5,000 and 100,000 gigajoules (GJ) of gas per site annually and meet other eligibility criteria.

It is part of the NSW Government's $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program that helps businesses make simple low-cost improvements and take practical steps to accelerate the shift towards net zero emissions.

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Director Rana Juppin advised "these grants are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to take a serious look at how energy-efficient heat pumps can improve their operations.

"By providing funding for feasibility studies, we're empowering businesses to make smarter, more informed decisions that benefit both their bottom line and the environment."

To apply, visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/heat-pump-feasibility-grant

Image. The City of Sydney upgraded its Victoria Park Pool with fully electric, energy-efficient heat pumps replacing ageing gas heaters. The new system uses three EvoHeat CS-i 250 commercial inverter heat pumps to keep the 50 metre outdoor pool warm year-round with the system powered by 100% renewable electricity. Credit:Evoheat

Victoria_Park_Pool_credit_Evoheat_lr