Vaillant to make heat pumps at Derbyshire HQ

Vaillant is to start manufacturing its aroTHERM plus air-to-water heat pump alongside traditional gas boilers at the company’s HQ in Belper, Derbyshire, from 2022.

The company says it has invested in significant research and development into heat pumps, adding that it believes that no single technology will solve the decarbonisation challenge. A combination of hydrogen gas boilers, heat pumps and hybrid systems – along with controls and internet connected solutions – will be key to meeting the net-zero targets, it says.

Klaus Jesse, managing director for Vaillant Group UK and Ireland says: “We take our responsibility to support the decarbonisation challenge very seriously. Having been at the forefront of research and development of high-efficiency gas appliances, as well as heat pumps, Vaillant is also investing heavily in future hydrogen and green gas technology.

“There will not be one technology that singularly addresses the climate challenge, and it’s important that both the government and the heating industry recognise and educate the market on the benefits of each technology, based on the needs of the customer and the property.”

Business & Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng says: “[The] announcement from Vaillant is a significant boost to our plans to kickstart a heat pump manufacturing base in the UK so we can develop a range of new low-carbon technologies, create jobs and meet our all-important target of installing 600,000 heat pumps each year by 2028.”