Consumers Leading the EU’s Energy Ambition Response through uptake of Heat Pumps

Solutions developed

The CLEAR-HP project empowers consumers to make informed and affordable choices when switching to heat pump technologies. It begins with in-depth market research, product testing, and mapping of financing options across 7 target countries. Based on this groundwork, the project launches consumer-focused collective purchase schemes, supported by training sessions, tailored advice, and trusted partnerships with certified suppliers and installers. CLEAR-HP also ensures product reliability through independent testing and offers structured consumer guidance, including household readiness assessments. The project actively engages in policy advocacy to improve national and EU-level support schemes and promotes replication of its model by other consumer organisations across Europe. Sustainability is central, with tested products donated to social initiatives where possible, and all results and best practices disseminated widely to maximise long-term impact.

Main results

CLEAR-HP partners completed national market analyses and selected heat pump models for collective purchase campaigns. These models were tested by ICRT for efficiency and usability, with results used in consumer communications and workshops. Partners have developed fact-based recommendations to improve financing schemes and simplify regulations, and have been engaging with national authorities and stakeholders to raise awareness of consumer needs. Collective purchase campaigns were launched and are still ongoing in Spain, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia and have attracted so far over 10,000 registrations and engaged more than 700 consumers in workshops. More CPCs are expected to be launched in Belgium and Bulgaria. Consumer Guidelines and national training sessions were created, covering product features, installation, subsidies, and energy savings. A communication strategy is in place, supported by a project website, media outreach, and collaboration with other EU projects.