Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Paragraph: 31
Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat...
Conclusion
Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat homes adequately, properties need to be upgraded to the correct levels of energy efficiency. It is critical then that Government policies and strategies are interlinked. If people are encouraged to switch to low carbon heating sources without the knowledge or incentive for energy efficiency upgrades, then there are risks of scheme failure and loss of public trust if the new low carbon heating sources are not heating homes to the desired temperature and insulation.
Paragraph Reference:
31
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has a clear plan for our major clean heat technologies and is continuing to develop a long-term plan for deploying these measures at scale, of which the Heat and Buildings Strategy represents a significant first step. We are working towards making strategic decisions on the role for hydrogen in our heat system by 2026, through comprehensive research, development and unique large-scale hydrogen trials. We will clearly communicate the implications for consumers and industry from the relative roles for electrification and hydrogen. A range of policies will support our target of 600000 heat pumps annually by 2028, including the Future Homes Standard making homes zero-carbon ready and schemes like the £450 million Boiler Upgrade Scheme incentivising the market. We will evaluate the need for further policy after the 2026 strategic decision on hydrogen. On Heat Networks our transformation programme includes introducing heat network zoning by 2025 to increase deployment and reduce risk, supporting the significant growth of the market needed through the Heat Networks Investment Project and Green Heat Network Fund. The Heat and Buildings Strategy and the Hydrogen Strategy will be followed by an investment strategy, that will highlight the needs of technology market development, and our plan for supporting growth. Formal consultations alongside extensive stakeholder engagement will help test the Government’s approach to growing the heat pump and heat networks markets. For example, through the Net Zero Buildings Council, Ministers are working with industry leaders to develop solutions to the key issues on the path to decarbonising heat. The Government will set out the approach to these strategic decisions in due course.