UK Renewable Heating Scorecard: How Each Region Performs

Not all UK regions are equal when it comes to renewable heating. Some are surging ahead with high installation rates, abundant installers, and proactive councils. Others are languishing with low uptake, installer deserts, and minimal local support. Our scorecard rates every region across five key metrics, revealing the leaders, the laggards, and the areas with the most untapped potential.

Regional variation in heat pump adoption tells a story about policy, economics, geography, and culture. Understanding why some regions outperform others helps policymakers target support and helps homeowners understand the installation landscape in their area. This scorecard draws on data from MCS, Ofgem BUS grant data, and our own installer density analysis. For county-level detail, see our interactive county map.

Scorecard Methodology

Each region is scored across five categories, each worth up to 5 points:

Overall Rankings

South West: The Leader (Score: 22/25)

The South West consistently leads UK heat pump adoption. Key factors include the highest proportion of off-gas-grid homes in England (where the financial case for heat pumps is strongest), a well-established installer network with long experience, proactive council programmes in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset, and strong community energy groups running bulk-buy schemes.

Scotland: Strong and Supported (Score: 21/25)

Scotland benefits from the most generous heat pump support package in the UK — the Home Energy Scotland scheme combining grants (up to £7,500) with interest-free loans (up to £9,000). This means many Scottish homeowners can install with zero upfront cost. The Scottish Government's commitment to decarbonising heating earlier than England adds policy certainty.

South East: Affluent Adopters (Score: 17/25)

The South East has strong uptake driven by higher household incomes (making the out-of-pocket cost less prohibitive) and high property values (where the EPC premium from a heat pump is more significant). The region scores well on installations and installer density but lower on council support, which is patchy.

London: Urban Challenges (Score: 9/25)

London's low score reflects structural challenges rather than lack of demand. The high proportion of flats makes outdoor unit placement difficult, near-universal gas grid connection reduces the financial incentive, space constraints make cylinder installation challenging, and conservation area prevalence complicates planning. Targeted solutions — including communal heat pump systems for apartment blocks and innovative compact systems — are needed.

Northern England: Cold Climate Potential (Score: 11-12/25)

Northern England has significant untapped potential. Colder winters mean higher heating demand, making the financial case for heat pumps stronger. Large proportions of Victorian and Edwardian terraces need insulation improvements alongside heat pumps. The region scores lower on installer density and council support but has strong growth rates. For more detail, see our Northern England report.

Wales: Nest Scheme Impact (Score: 17/25)

Wales benefits from both the BUS grant (as part of England and Wales) and the Nest scheme, which provides free energy efficiency improvements to eligible households. The combination of national and devolved support gives Welsh homeowners more options. Rural Wales, with many off-gas-grid homes on oil and LPG, has particularly strong heat pump economics.

Midlands: The Middle Ground (Score: 13-14/25)

Both East and West Midlands sit in the middle tier — moderate uptake, growing installer networks, and some active councils. The region has significant housing stock that would benefit from heat pumps, particularly the large number of 1930s-1960s semi-detached houses. Improved council engagement and installer recruitment could significantly lift performance.

Regardless of where you live, the national BUS grant is available to all eligible homeowners. Combining a heat pump with solar panels further improves the economics in every region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UK region leads on heat pump adoption?

The South West, driven by high off-gas-grid proportions, strong installer networks, and proactive councils. Scotland is close behind with generous grant support.

Why does London lag behind?

High flat proportions, universal gas grid, space constraints, and conservation area challenges. Solutions require targeted approaches for urban settings.

How is the scorecard calculated?

Five categories each scored 1-5: installations per capita, BUS uptake, installer density, council support, and growth rate. Maximum 25.

Which regions have most room for improvement?

London, parts of Northern England, and some Midlands areas. These need targeted installer recruitment, awareness campaigns, and council engagement.

Does regional performance affect my installation?

Yes — more installers means more choice, shorter waits, and competitive pricing. But the BUS grant is available nationwide.