Greater Manchester Teams Up with Daikin in Ambitious Plan to Install 64,000 Heat Pumps by 2030

Image Credit: GMCA

Greater Manchester has signed a new five-year deal with heat pump manufacturer Daikin, aiming to deliver 64,000 low-carbon heating systems across the region by the end of the decade. It’s all part of a larger effort to help the city-region achieve its goal of carbon neutrality.

The agreement was signed at the UK Pavilion during the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and builds on an earlier two-year partnership that resulted in the installation of 1,500 heat pumps. That initial phase also generated nearly half a million pounds in social value, thanks to training programs, community outreach, and various local projects.

Now, Daikin is stepping up its role by becoming Chair of Greater Manchester’s brand new Low Carbon Heating Industry Group. This group will bring together businesses, local authorities, and energy innovators to speed up the region’s transition to cleaner heating systems.

As part of the expanded partnership, Daikin plans to scale up its presence in the area. The company will open a second facility at Trafford Park, which will triple its annual training capacity to 4,200 people. It’s also teaming up with Bolton College to launch apprenticeships tailored to meet the rising demand for heat pump installers. Additionally, Daikin will offer fully funded training to 100 eligible individuals annually and aims to take on 30 apprentices by 2030.

There’s more on the horizon, too. Daikin plans to introduce a leasing program to make heat pumps more financially accessible to households. This initiative complements updates to national support schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The company is also exploring custom energy tariffs explicitly designed for heat pump users and is looking to connect 170 heat pump systems in social housing through Greater Manchester’s 5G Innovation Region project.

The new industry group, led by Daikin, is the first of its kind in the city region. It’s been created to help deliver the city’s 5-Year Environment Plan, and all participating organisations will be expected to formally commit to collaboration, investment, and innovation in low-carbon heating technologies.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester:

“Daikin has played a significant role in our journey to make Greater Manchester a greener, more sustainable place to live. Our partnership has delivered low-carbon heating technology through the installation of 1,500 heat pumps, while educating our young people about sustainable technologies and boosting our green skills offering.

“We’ve already achieved a great deal together, and we’re excited to continue building on that strong foundation. Daikin’s ongoing investment in skills, innovation and low-carbon technology is exactly the kind of partnership we need to help drive lasting change in Greater Manchester. We look forward to continuing our work with Daikin as they grow their presence in Greater Manchester”.