Critical Minerals and Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are rapidly gaining prominence as a key low-carbon heating and cooling technology, supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Widely deployed across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, heat pumps offer a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based systems. However, their production and performance rely on a range of critical minerals including palladium, silicon, nickel, and rare earth elements, many of which are sourced through complex and often fragile global supply chains. The secure and sustainable supply of these critical minerals is essential to scaling up heat pump technology and meeting net-zero targets. As governments and industries accelerate the energy transition, understanding the mineral requirements of heat pumps has become a strategic priority. While heat pumps provide clear environmental and economic benefits, rising demand also raises concerns about resource availability, supply chain resilience, and long-term material sustainability.