The Korean government has recognized air-source heat as renewable energy and will accelerate the expansion of heat pump deployment. The government plans to designate this year as the inaugural year for heating electrification and launch support programs.
Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-hwan held a meeting on the 4th at FKI Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to discuss measures for promoting heat pump deployment and strengthening industrial competitiveness. Six heat pump manufacturers including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and Kyungdong Navien attended the meeting, along with installation companies, thermal storage tank manufacturers, virtual power plant operators, and related associations and public institutions.
The government passed an amendment to the Renewable Energy Act enforcement decree at a Cabinet meeting on the 3rd, adding air-source heat to the scope of renewable energy. Air-source heat pumps will now be recognized as renewable energy equipment alongside existing geothermal and hydrothermal systems.
Building on this development, the government will pursue heat pump deployment expansion, heating electrification initiatives, technology development projects, and industrial transition support measures. Starting this year, the government will invest approximately 14.5 billion won in national funds to support air-source heat pump installation in detached houses.
Given that heat pumps are in the early stages of deployment, the program will initially target detached houses with solar panels installed in warmer regions such as Jeju and South Gyeongsang Province. The program will subsidize 70% of installation costs, with eligible products limited to heat pumps meeting certain standards based on performance, environmental impact, and contribution to the industry.
Minister Kim said, "Recognition of air-source heat as renewable energy is the first step toward decarbonizing thermal energy," adding, "We will expand heat pump deployment to build a domestic market foundation and strengthen industrial competitiveness."