Equitably Advancing Cold Climate Heat Pumps

In the United States, subsidies for low-carbon technologies like electric vehicles, high efficiency appliances, or residential solar panels land predominantly in the hands of high-income households. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs), a key technology for decarbonizing water and space heating loads, are currently a remarkable exception. Instead of income, ASHP adoption rates correlate strongly with geography, climate, and local energy prices. Competition from low-cost natural gas and extreme cold conditions have significantly slowed the proliferation of this clean-heat technology through much of the northern half of the United States. Overcoming these hurdles equitably will require careful policy design, strategic technology improvements, and coordinated local workforce development. This talk explores both the challenges and opportunities in scaling ASHPs across cold climates. Drawing on recent field research and market analysis, we will discuss the innovations required to make ASHPs an effective heating technology option for all. 

Dr. Samantha Hill is on a mission to use science for the greater good. A mechanical engineer who earned her BS and PhD at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Hill's research interests focus on building a more sustainable future by removing technological and market barriers to a decarbonized economy. She is currently a Senior Research Engineer at the non-profit Center for Energy and Environment and is leading multiple clean-tech field research studies ranging from cold climate heat pumps and energy storage to electric transportation. Her work supports energy policy and program development, utility planning, and the commercialization of innovative technologies.