Why ground source energy is the best industry to be in
Ground source heat pumps are – quite literally – hot right now. Let’s take a look at how this technology is expanding across the UK, and why it’s the perfect time to get in on the action.
Ground source energy has been an expanding market for many years. Since the government pledged to become carbon zero by 2050, politicians and industry leaders have rapidly accelerated the use of renewables like Heat Pumps, Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Wind and Hydroelectric to power homes and businesses.
What are ground source heat pumps?
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are about to see a major rise in demand. In an age of fuel poverty driven by the rising costs of gas and electricity from non-renewable sources, finding more sustainable ways to heat homes is now critical.
Through cutting-edge technology, heat pumps extract heat from the sun that’s stored in the soil or water beneath the ground’s surface.
From a liquid-filled collector underground, the pumps use heat exchange loops to capture heat and distribute it throughout a property.
Unlike solar and wind, which rely on intermittent influxes of solar radiation or wind energy to create power, ground source heat provides a continuous source of heat because the earth’s temperature remains constant.
How is the market developing?
Up until 2020, less than 7.27% of the UK’s renewables resources came from ground source heat pumps.
This year, however, the figure will steeply rise as the government doubles down on its goal of installing over 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 – creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
Engineers, installers and service technicians who can design, fit or maintain ground source heat pumps are now amongst the most in-demand workers in the UK, and new jobs are emerging across every corner of the country on a daily basis.
What’s it like to work in GSHPs?
Autonomy, job security, a competitive salary, uncapped bonus schemes and the ability to be home based are just some of the many benefits making this sector highly attractive for graduates, trained apprentices or those with experience in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).
As the UK moves away from gas to heat homes, domestic heating installers are upskilling and transferring into renewables with courses like the LCL RFQ Level 3 Award in the installation and maintenance of ground source heat pump systems for residential and small commercial projects.
But there’s still a shortage, and design engineers in particular are in great demand. The industry needs an influx of new talent, particularly from those with a relevant engineering degree, a few years in a similar role, experience of packages like AutoCAD and a sound working knowledge of HVAC componentry.
For those starting out in GHSPs, progress can be fast – and routes to career development are well defined.
But the real benefit to a career in this emerging sector, for many who’ve already made the switch, is the knowledge that they’re playing a key role in making the world a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place.
At a time when we’re seeing the impact of climate change in devastating detail, few careers can offer as much job satisfaction.
To learn more, download our free Complete Guide to a Career in Renewable Energy.
A&D Recruitment are specialists in recruitment for the renewable energy and building services industries. For more tips, visit our blog section or contact us today for a friendly, informal chat about how A&D Recruitment could help you fill – or find – your next role.
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