Swedish clean energy firm Aira will launch a Sheffield training academy as part of plans to invest £300m into the UK.
The heat pump specialist, which announced it had acquired Sheffield's All Seasons Energy earlier this year, says it wants to train thousands of clean energy experts. Its plans also include a training academy in London, as it says it wants to build up a customer base of one million households in the next decade.
The firm says the investment will come over the next three years as it looks to take advantage of the UK Government's ambition to ramp up heat pump installations to 600,000 a year by 2028. Aira UK, part of Sweden’s Vargas Holding Group of companies, already employs 200 people, including clean energy experts and supporting roles.
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Martin Lewerth, Aira Group CEO, said: "The UK is a crucial market to decarbonise, being one of Europe's most populated countries and with the lowest heat pump penetration rate of just 1%. We are excited to introduce Aira's innovative home energy solution in the UK, and we are confident that our offering and value proposition, which includes substantial consumer cost savings, no need for lifestyle changes, and a zero upfront payment model, will be well-received. We are here to accelerate the important transition from dirty gas boilers to clean heat pumps."
Daniel Särefjord, Aira UK CEO, said: “Heat pumps represent the most technologically advanced, economic, and environmentally friendly way to heat our homes. They are four times more energy efficient than gas boilers and will help people reduce their heating bills by 25%. The Government has confirmed that over 90% of UK homes are suitable for a heat pump. Aira offers a hassle-free, budget-friendly path to lower energy bills and a more climate-friendly economy."
Claire Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: "Families should not have to choose between cutting costs and cutting emissions which is why we increased our Boiler Upgrade Scheme by 50% to £7,500 grants – making our scheme one of the most generous in Europe. Our plan is working, and we are seeing an increase in applications.
"It’s fantastic that Aira is investing £300m in the UK heat pump market to help further rollout. Their investment will also create 8,000 new jobs here in the UK, growing our economy and helping us make the green transition."
