With heightening demand for manufacturers to support net-zero ambitions, Greg Banham, Commercial Director for Navien UK, explores how the leading provider of heating and hot water solutions is diversifying its product offering to help accelerate the development of renewables in the industry.
With increasing pressure on manufacturers to support the path to net zero, Greg Banham, Commercial Director for Navien UK, explores how the leading provider of heating and hot water solutions is diversifying its product offering to help accelerate the development of renewables in the industry.
The UK’s heating sector is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. With renewables and heat pump technology now central to net-zero targets, the Government aims to increase heat pump installations significantly as well as expand renewable energy capacity, both are key pathways to reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
From its foundations in high-efficiency boilers, Navien has consistently invested in advanced heating solutions, from its NCB ON range of efficient, future-proofed boilers and now to the launch of the PEM750 heat pump in the UK – Navien has made the decision to expand into the renewables space with a bold strategy and advanced new technologies, following its recognition of market demand and policy direction.
Driven by rising energy costs, evolving regulations and a growing number of government-backed incentives; installers and homeowners are feeling the pressure to switch to greener heating solutions. New regulations which came into effect on the 20th of May 2025, have made the installation of heat pumps simpler and more flexible than ever before, encouraging homeowners to take the plunge into a more renewable heating system, making it increasingly important that installers consider doing the same.
Part of the Government’s Warm Home Plan, the new regulations remove restrictions such as the ‘one-meter rule’ and allow for larger units, making installations more accessible – particularly in urban areas. Supporting progress towards the ambitious target set by the previous Government of 600,000 annual installations, they have also abolished planning restrictions and increased funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to £295 million committed for 2025/26. This provides a £7,500 grant for eligible homeowners and landlords to help offset the cost of installing a heat pump.
These changes remove significant barriers to installation, and by doing so, are boosting the transition to low carbon heating and helping the UK to meet its ambitious net-zero targets by 2050. Simplifying the installation process, removing regulatory barriers and providing monetary support, may increase the pace of an already accelerating deployment of heat pumps across the UK.
The increasing uptake of low-carbon solutions presents an attractive opportunity for installers and manufactures alike. Navien’s PEM750 heat pump is not only the solution provider’s entry into the renewables space, but also its answer to several persistent industry challenges. The product has been developed to address installer concerns over ease of installation, system reliability and training support, while simultaneously responding to homeowner demands for energy efficiency, consistent comfort and long-term savings.
Navien recently celebrated a decade of operations in the UK, and this latest launch marks another significant step in its commitment to deliver both innovation and sustainability.
Designed with installers and homeowners front of mind, the PEM750 combines aesthetic design with high performance and is suited to both retrofit and new build. Backed by a seven-year warranty, the heat pump system is straightforward to install and maintain and can also be monitored via an app, giving homeowners remote control and enabling installers to identify and resolve any issues remotely.
A Monoblock system, the PEM750 simplifies installation by housing all critical components within the unit, which allows for easier wiring and faster set-up. The heat pump can also be configured with a wide range of parameters, suitable for both open-loop and zones systems, increasing versatility.
Navien’s choice of R290 for the refrigerant gas at the heart of the PEM750 system design is reflective of the manufacturer’s commitment to developing future-proofed technologies while delivering enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Increasingly favoured by the industry, R290 has an ultra-low Global Warming Potential of 3, making it significantly more environmentally attractive than the previous standard R32 with its GWP of 675.
Not only does R290 align with current and future government regulations, but it is also more energy-efficient due to its thermodynamic properties and supports high performance, achieving temperatures up to 75°C.
While the advancement of heating technologies continues to support the transition to renewable energy, many traditional oil and gas installers are left uncertain about what this shift means for their future. From navigating unfamiliar system designs to adapting installation methods and keeping up with evolving regulations, the transition can seem complex and daunting.
Nonetheless, change is clearly underway. In 2025, the UK was one of only three European markets to see growth in heat pump sales, with a notable 56% increase recorded last year. This signals strong momentum toward an established heat pump market. However, the sector faces a significant workforce challenge. The Heat Pump Association estimates that nearly 40,000 full-time installers will be needed to meet the UK’s deployment targets – yet, as of 2024, only around 9,000 installers had completed the necessary heat pump training qualifications.
To support installers with seizing the opportunity afforded by this growth and navigating the transition to renewable heating solutions, Navien has partnered with Ultimate Renewables Supplies, to offer practical training and access to essential resources. The programme focuses on understanding the system design and the installation of the new PEM750 heat pump, with installation kits provided on completion of the training. Ultimate Renewables will also assist installers through their MCS Umbrella scheme and offer ongoing service for the systems they help design – ensuring long-term support.
In addition to the new training scheme, Navien will also be working with air source heat pump specialists from across the UK to ensure that installations of the PEM750 are carried out to a high quality from day one of its launch.
Beyond the PEM750, the manufacturer is also exploring the possibility of hybrid systems. A lower carbon alternative for home heating, this typically consists of a gas or oil boiler and an air to water heat pump. The heat pump is expected to generate heat for 70-80% of the time and, during colder months, the boiler acts as a top-up, giving all year-round comfort. This would be the ideal solution for properties where a standalone heat pump may be unsuitable.
Navien UK is fully invested in supporting the UK’s renewable heating transition. As a business, it recognises that the success of renewables lies in the balance between advancing technology and in equipping installers with the tools and knowledge that they need to help accelerate the shift.
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