CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
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CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
In this issue of By the Numbers, we examine energy outlooks and their important role in shaping our discussions about policy. We start by selecting three different scenarios from the Canada Energy Regulator’s ongoing Energy Futures series and compare these projections with the actual natural gas demand and production trends, as well as electricity demand. […]
In this issue of By the Numbers, we look at the important role storage plays in today’s energy systems, specifically the natural gas storage capacity in Canada and how it is critical to deliver reliable and stable energy supply. We will also look at the significant role that natural gas played during the cold weather […]
Access to reliable and affordable energy is a basic requirement for the growth and success of rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Across Canada, there are many identified natural gas connection projects that could lower household energy costs, improve reliability, and support local economic development. However, under current provincial regulatory frameworks, these projects must generally be […]
Canada’s natural gas system offers affordable, reliable, and safe energy. This report looks at the main indicators for Canada’s natural gas market as we enter the 2025–26 winter heating season. A summary of these key indicators helps readers understand market fundamentals as colder months approach, furnaces are turned back on, and demand for natural gas […]
CGA is the national voice of Canada’s gas energy delivery industry, bringing members together to advance safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions for Canadians.
By Susanna Zagar, President and CEO, Canadian Gas Association At a time of trade uncertainty, shifting global relationships and growing energy demand, Canada has an advantage few countries possess: abundant natural gas and the infrastructure to deliver it. As we look to strengthen our economic resilience and competitiveness, we need to make greater use of […]
At CERAWeek, the message was clear: energy security is national security, and countries that enable and optimize their reliable, affordable energy with resilient delivery systems, like natural gas infrastructure, will lead at home and in the new economy. CERAWeek may not be widely known outside the energy sector, but it should be. Now in its […]
At a pivotal moment for Canada’s energy future, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) has named Michele Harradence Chair of its Board of Directors. Michele’s appointment comes at a time when Canada is focused on strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth and meeting rising energy demand. Harradence leads Enbridge’s gas distribution and storage business, serving approximately […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New proposal highlights the natural gas opportunity to lower costs, support growth and strengthen energy security. As leaders from Indigenous Nations, government, industry, and finance gather for the First Nations Major Projects Coalition Conference, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is calling on the federal government to support a national effort to connect […]
To help advance the RNG marketplace, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) joined forces to create a Canadian Renewable Natural Gas Information Network, RNGinet.
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (August 12, 2026)
The Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is pleased to bring you the latest issue of Blue Flame, fuel for thought about Canada’s gas energy industry. This publication is for government, industry and public stakeholders who wish to learn more about Canada’s natural gas delivery industry. (July 7, 2026)
Gas heat pumps: Advancing energy efficiency in heating and cooling
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Gas heat pumps (GHPs), also referred to as thermally driven heat pumps, are emerging as a promising technology to enhance heating and cooling efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By leveraging natural gas combustion to drive the heat pump process, these systems offer a resilient and energy-efficient solution, particularly in colder climates where traditional electric heat pumps face performance limitations.
GHPs provide a practical pathway for homeowners, businesses, and industries to enhance the environmental performance while maintaining reliable and efficient heating solutions. This article explores the advantages, technological advancements, market potential, and policy implications of gas heat pumps in Canada.
Natural gas heat pump. Source: Enbridge Gas
How do gas heat pumps (GHPs)work?
Gas heat pumps operate by using natural gas combustion to power a heat pump cycle. Heat can be sourced from the air, water, or ground, as with electric heat pumps. However, traditional electric heat pumps lose efficiency in extremely cold temperatures because their ability to extract heat from the air diminishes as outdoor temperatures drop. As a result, they require supplemental heating, often from electric resistance elements, which reduces overall efficiency.
Gas heat pumps, on the other hand, benefit from an additional heat recovery process. They capture and utilize the waste heat from combustion, significantly improving overall efficiency and maintaining performance above 100% efficient even in frigid conditions. This makes them an attractive option for regions with harsh winters, as they can continue to provide consistent and cost-effective heating where electric heat pumps struggle.
Why consider gas heat pumps (GHPs)?
Gas heat pumps present a range of benefits for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, including:
GHG emission reduction: By maximizing the use of natural gas, including renewable natural gas (RNG) and potentially hydrogen, GHPs have lower emissions compared to conventional heating methods.
Superior cold climate performance: Unlike electric heat pumps, which struggle in extreme cold, GHPs maintain high efficiency even at low temperatures, making them a reliable heating option in Canada’s climate.
Utilization of existing infrastructure: These systems integrate seamlessly with current natural gas networks, reducing installation complexity and costs.
Compliance with future energy standards: Federal and provincial policies are increasingly favouring technologies with greater than 100% energy performance, positioning GHPs as a viable solution.
Despite their potential, gas heat pumps face some barriers to widespread adoption:
Limited awareness: Many homeowners, businesses, and HVAC professionals remain unfamiliar with GHP technology. Education and outreach efforts are needed to increase adoption.
Availability constraints: While commercial units are available, residential models are still in early-stage production. Expanding manufacturing capacity will be critical for adoption.
Limited: Currently, the initial costs remain high due to small-scale manufacturing. However, costs are expected to decline as manufacturing scales up.
Regulatory uncertainty: While policies favoring high-efficiency heating solutions exist, explicit support for gas heat pumps is still in development. Incentive programs need to be expanded to include GHPs.
To overcome these challenges, industry stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and government agencies—are developing a roadmap to mainstream gas heat pumps by 2035. Key phases include pilot programs (2022-2025), expanded HVAC training and distribution networks (2025-2028), and large-scale adoption with improved product affordability (2028-2030).
Conclusion
Gas heat pumps offer a compelling solution for Canada’s heating and cooling needs, particularly in colder climates where electric alternatives may fall short. By leveragingnatural gas combustion, they provide efficiency, resilience and affordability, positioning GHPs as a key player for alower-emission energy future.
“Gas heat pumps offer a compelling solution for Canada’s heating and cooling needs, particularly in colder climates where electric alternatives may fall short.”
The coming years will be crucial in determiningGHPs’place in Canada’s evolving energy landscape. Expanding pilot programs, improving affordability through economies of scale, and integrating GHPs into incentive programs will be essential for widespread adoption.