The government aims to distribute 3.5 million eco-friendly heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the country by 2035 as part of efforts to tackle climate change, officials said Tuesday. With the distribution of the systems, also known as heat pumps, the government expects to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.18 million tons, according to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. Around 360,000 units of heat pumps have been distributed in Korea as of 2022. The global heat pump market is projected to grow from 180 million units in 2020 to 1.8 billion by 2050, according to the ministry. The ministry also plans to establish an electricity rate system to promote the use of heat pumps, as cost burdens on the current progressive electricity rate system for residential use is often cited as a reason hindering market growth. "We are in the final stage of coordinating the new system with Korea Electric Power," Kwon Byung-chul, a ministry official in charge of thermal industry innovation, said, noting the government plans to announce the new system early next year.