Octopus Energy is already the biggest heat pump installer in the UK. With the launch of Cosy 6, we’ve become the first energy provider to make and install our own heat pump—and we’re pretty pumped about it.
In this blog, we go behind the scenes of our Cosy 6 factory in Portadown, Northern Ireland to see where the magic happens and meet the people helping us make heating cheaper, greener and more efficient.
Short on time? Skip ahead:
Step inside the Cosy 6 factory
Introducing Cosy 6
A year ago, we launched Cosy 6 – a heat pump that has skyrocketed in success over the past 12 months. Now, we’re building thousands more as people turn to greener energy systems to save on bills, cut carbon, and heat their homes efficiently.
This amazing surge in demand meant it was time to move out of the Octopus test centre and find a suitable home for our Cosy-6 factory. A place that could keep up with the pace of production, provide new and exciting job opportunities, and offer an unrivalled sense of community. (Because we’re nothing without our people.) So we chose Northern Ireland.
Why Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is an amazing place with a rich history, but it hasn’t always received the investment it deserves. We wanted to change that. By setting up our factory in Portadown, we’re not just building low-carbon tech; we’re helping to grow the local economy and create new job opportunities in a region with so much to offer.
“Nobody else is really doing what we’re trying to do here. At the rate we’re trying to do it. It’s an exciting part of Northern Ireland”
Phil McVarnock, Production Manager
It all started in 2022, when we brought engineering genius Jason’s heat pump company, RED, into the Octopus family and in no time, we built and launched our very own Cosy 6 heat pump. Now, we’re on track to produce 35,000 heat pumps a year and create 120 local jobs. But this isn’t just about numbers —it’s about making green, affordable heating available to everyone.
What’s special about the Cosy 6?
The team at Portadown have developed the tech, design, and installation process for Cosy 6. It’s all done in-house. Which means things can move fast based on real-time feedback from customers. This kind of integration is game-changing, and puts us at the forefront of advances in green energy tech. Something we’re super proud of.
The Cosy 6 really is the complete package: a heat pump, hot water cylinder, straightforward controls, and up to four Cosy Pods to monitor your home’s temperature and humidity. And we’re pleased to say it’s up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.
“We’re supplying the electricity. We’re installing the product. We’re producing the product. We’re then controlling the product and looking after the product throughout its entire life cycle… that makes us different to all the competition”
Colin McKinstry, Head of Technical for Octopus heat pumps
Interested in a Cosy 6?
Find out if your home is heat pump ready.
A win for customers
This factory isn’t just good news for Northern Ireland—it’s good news for all of us. By making our own heat pumps, we can better understand what people need and deliver perfectly tailored products. This means more affordable, innovative, and accessible low-carbon tech solutions, no matter where you live.
Work with heat pumps
There’s a brilliant bunch of people powering our Portadown factory. We know, because we set it up. If you live in the area or you’re interested in renewable energy tech, keep your eyes peeled for future jobs in our heat pump factory. Discover Octopus jobs.
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