Comparative analysis of heat pump energy consumption patterns for residential buildings in the UK and Ireland

Heat pumps (HPs) can play a significant role in achieving a decarbonised economy by replacing traditional combustion appliances and electrifying heating systems. Their ability to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability can significantly contribute to decarbonising Ireland’s energy system. This transition requires increased electrification, changes in electricity usage patterns, investment in grid and generation capacity, and government support for household retrofitting. Optimised electricity usage can boost the share of renewable energy. Irish energy providers often rely on UK energy data for decision-making, which raises concerns about its accuracy for Ireland. This paper addresses this issue by comparing energy consumption patterns in the UK and Ireland using the When2Heat dataset. It analyses the coefficient of performance, heat demand, and heat profiles of HPs. The simulation results indicate that the trends and distributions of the analysed figures are quite similar for both countries. Overall, the study provides insights into the potential for HPs to contribute to decarbonising the economy, as well as the importance of accurate energy data analysis for informing energy usage profiling in Ireland and the UK. The findings could inform policy decisions related to promoting the adoption of HPs and supporting the necessary grid and generation capacity needs for increased electrification.