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The Danish authorities have allocated DKK 400 million (about €54 million) for scrapping old oil burners and replacing them with energy-efficient heating systems such as heat pumps. The scheme, set to commence on 1 March 2010, will provide grants of up to €2,700 for the installation of heat pumps.

The scrappage scheme is expected to result in the replacement of between 20,000 and 40,000 oil burners out of an estimated total of 150,000 in need for replacement currently installed in Denmark.

The scheme’s main features

Eligible technologies include heat pumps and solar technology, among others. Grant levels for heat pumps will depend on the type of heat pump and dwelling:

• Ground source heat pumps in individual housing: DKK 20,000 (about €2700)
• Air-water heat pumps in individual housing: DKK 15,000 (about €2000)
• Ground source heat pumps in multi-family housing: 25% of investment costs, not exceeding DKK 10,000 (about €1350) per dwelling unit
• Air-water heat pumps in multi-family housing: 25% of investment costs, not exceeding DKK 10,000 (about €1350) per dwelling unit

The installation of solar technology will, on the other hand, be eligible to receiving grants covering 25% of the investment costs and district heating up to DKK 10,000 (about €1350) per dwelling.

Heat pump advice offered

Recently, the Danish Energy Agency launched a new website (www.varmepumpesiden.dk) with advice about heat pumps. There, consumers can find information about how heat pumps work, the savings they offer compared to other forms of heating, as well as practical considerations that must be taken into account before choosing a new heating system.