The Event

The event, held at the Freedom Heat Pumps showroom, was designed to bring members of the public face to face with contractors from all sectors of the renewable heating market, including air & ground source heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass and solar PV.

With 6 contractors exhibiting at the event plus guest speakers from The Eastleigh Transition Network, members of the public were able to get balanced advice from a number of sources. Over 50 potential projects were discussed and many of these turned into survey bookings over the 2 days.

Graham Hendra, Freedom’s Managing Director, said “There were no local events at which renewables contractors could get together within the Southampton area, by providing this venue for our customers and others we hope to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for those members of the public interested in green technologies.” Freedom Heat Pumps Operations Director

Paul Taylor added “Judging by the level of attendance there is definitely an interest and a lucrative market within this area and we hope to offer this forum many more times throughout this year and next”.

Chris Huhne

Mr Huhne arrived at 1.15 pm and after cutting the ribbon and declaring the show open, he took the time to get a demonstration of the Samsung EHS air source heat pump and Freedom Heat Pumps new web based Heat Pump Sizing and Run Cost Calculators. The Minister then asked a number of questions about heat pumps in general and specifically Freedom’s role in education and training to ensure that heat pumps are applied correctly for the benefit of the public and the environment. Finally the Secretary of State then took the time to meet each of the exhibitors and asked a number of questions about the various technologies.

PDR and RHI

Whilst in discussion about the current heat pump market Mr Huhne announced that the need for planning permission for heat pumps would be lifted in the PDR (Permitted Development Rights). He said some restrictions such as consideration for noise (45dbl at 1 metre from a neighbour’s window) and the number of heat pumps installed still had to be adhered to but that the process should now become very simple.

A number of people quizzed Mr Huhne on the subject of RHI and whilst he refused to discuss specifics he did give the reasons behind the delay and the expected announcement timetable. On the subject of the delay in including ASHP on the RHI he had this to say: “The data taken during the Carbon Trust study showed that there were still significant problems with the application of air source heat pumps and a further one year study of different installations will allow us to make a more informed decision”.

He went on to say that “the final decision and announcements regarding the RHI will arrive early in the new year, probably January or February”.

Mr Huhne was also interested in the relationship of Air to Air Heat Pumps and the domestic market, and whilst discussing the high efficiencies offered, remarked that “if they are more efficient perhaps we need to find more ways of getting them into the home”.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Both the exhibitors and main sponsors, Samsung Air Conditioning, considered the event to be a success.  Richard Lockwood, Samsung’s UK Sales Manager, said “we are very happy to support Freedom Heat Pumps in this event and the attendance of Mr Huhne and large numbers of the public are testament to the commitment that Freedom have made to improving the market”.

Simon Rowe, Samsung's European Air Conditioning Director, added that “Samsung Air Conditioning’s EHS is at the forefront of green technology and to be given the chance to demonstrate this to the Minister and so many members of the public is a great opportunity”.

Notes for Editors

About Freedom Heat Pumps

Freedom Heat Pumps Ltd is a new company formed in 2010 to encourage the responsible and ethical design, application and distribution of Air Source Heat Pumps. It was founded by the owners of Freedom Air Conditioning, Gary Spicer and Paul Taylor along with ex LG Air Conditioning General Manager Graham Hendra. Freedom Heat Pumps are now distributors for Samsung, Hitachi and DeLonghi. Freedom has a fully functioning ‘Renewable Home’ based in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. For more details visit www.freedomhp.co.uk

About Samsung Air Conditioning

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., based in Seoul, Korea, is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies. Currently Samsung is ranked 19th in Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands and is considered as one of the fastest growing brands of the past five years. In its latest accounts Samsung reached a turnover of more than US$170 billion. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 275,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries around the globe. In 2005 Samsung Electronics entered the European market for System Air Conditioning, and since then has achieved rapid growth in most countries. S. For more details, visit www.samsungac.co.uk    

About Chris Huhne

Chris Huhne has been the Member of Parliament for the Eastleigh constituency in Hampshire since 2005, having been the member of the European Parliament for the same area for six years (1999-2005). Chris is the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Before entering politics, Chris was a financial and economic journalist for nineteen years at the Guardian, Independent and the Economist. He also founded one of the City’s largest teams of economists advising pension funds on overseas investments. Chris has five children, and one grandchild.

For More Information Contact

Paul Taylor

Freedom Heat Pumps,

Unit 2 Warrior Park,

Eagle Close,

Chandlers Ford

Hampshire,

SO53 4NF

Tel 0845 834 0875

Mobile 07974319614

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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