Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Deferred
DESNZ yet to determine criteria for homes unsuitable for heat pumps, delaying exemptions.
Recommendation
In response to our question about how it would identify which homes are unsuitable for a heat pump and therefore exempt from the 2035 phase out, DESNZ said that it was some way from determining this, given the deadline was not until 2035. It outlined that it intended to consult in 2024 on alternative, predominantly electric, low-carbon technologies for people to decarbonise their homes where a heat pump might not be an appropriate solution. DESNZ recognised that it had “more work to do” including “additional trials” of alternative technologies.45 We received written submissions from some manufacturing companies which said they were developing alternative technologies that might be placed anywhere in the home. Both Tepeo and Thermal Storage UK, for example, explained that they were developing heat batteries that can operate in homes where there is lack of outdoor space.46 NexGen Heating described that it was developing an infrared heating technology, which would be agnostic to housing type and require minimal disruption.47
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the implied recommendation to identify homes unsuitable for heat pumps and to provide alternative low-carbon solutions, but defers the action to publish relevant research until Summer 2025. This research will detail properties not suitable for traditional heat pumps and appropriate alternative technologies.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 5.2 The department accepts the recommendation though the date of implementation will be later than recommended by the former Committee, aligning with the publication of the research report from Summer 2025. The department will provide further information on which types of properties may not be suitable for traditional heat pumps operating at low flow temperatures, and what alternative low-carbon heating technologies may be most appropriate for this group. 5.3 Departmental modelling indicates it would be feasible to install heat pumps in over 90% homes across the UK, based on analysis of their energy efficiency and fuse limit. Results from the Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project show that heat pumps are widely suitable across the diverse range of housing archetypes present in the UK. 5.4 Nonetheless, the department has been monitoring a range of different low carbon heating solutions that could be used in properties that would not be suitable for traditional low temperature heat pumps. These include high temperature heat pumps, air to air heat pumps, electric boilers, heat batteries and storage heaters. Off the gas grid, the department is supporting the installation of solid biomass systems in a small number of appropriate properties through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. 5.5 The department has commissioned further research that will look at the most feasible and cost-effective approaches to transitioning complex to decarbonise properties onto clean heating systems. The Department intends to publish that research report once it is available from Summer 2025.