A new centre has opened in Basingstoke in partnership with one of Hampshire’s leading specialists in renewable energy systems, UKHeatPumps. The second centre, H2ecO, has launched in Poole, Dorset.

Local installers can use the centres to access free training and resources to help them diversify into renewable heating solutions and ensure the long-term competitiveness of their businesses as fossil fuels are phased out.

The centres will also generate leads and enquiries for trusted installers, sending homeowners their way for a quality experience throughout the installation process and the weeks, months and years that follow.

The ambition is to encourage early adopters of heat pump technology to spread the word locally and encourage others to follow suit.

Iain Bevan, commercial manager – heating & renewables at Daikin UK, commented: “Quality training and collaboration is key on the road to Net Zero, and our Sustainable Home Centres act as hubs where we all come together to drive progress.

“Together with H2ecO and UKHeatPumps we can tackle the green skills shortage and make a significant contribution towards our national Net Zero targets.

“At Daikin, we have the capacity to train over 7,000 installers on air-source heat pumps per year, through our accredited courses and around 40-strong network of Sustainable Home Centres – and we’re striving to train around 30% of all installers in the industry.”

Both centres will hold stock to help installers meet local demand – and are home to displays where homeowners, social housing providers and housing developers can come and interact with heat pump technology, to understand how it works and together with an expert, identify the best solution for their needs.

The new centres were attended by a range of potential customers, installers, and representatives from government to celebrate their openings, and to recognise the important role they can play in the decarbonisation of heat.

Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, attended the opening of H2ecO. He said: “I am pleased to officially open the H2ecO Daikin Sustainable Home Centre, a place where our local community can learn about all the exciting opportunities presented by heat pumps and renewable technologies.

“From homeowners looking to save money on their fuel bills and ‘go green’, to installers wanting to train and prepare for the future of low carbon heating, the Sustainable Home Centre at H2ecO will provide an important ‘heat pump hub’ for the area and a step towards our local and national goal of reaching net zero.”

Installers who join Daikin’s Sustainable Home Network can benefit from free, hands-on-tools training at its industry-leading training centres around the UK, to develop their heat pump installation and commissioning expertise.

Other benefits of joining the network include dedicated technical support, sales ready leads, business support and special offers.