Heat Pumps Today

26 Max Halliwell, Communications Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Ventilation Systems & Vice Chairman of Heat Pump Association shares why the decarbonisation of our homes is critical if we are to reach our net zero goal, with heating in homes currently responsible for approximately 13-14% of net greenhouse gas emissions. Off Grid and Low Carbon: Decarbonising Homes Off the Gas Grid Whilst heating system replacement will be required across all areas of the stock, off gas grid properties are often seen as a priority area for decarbonisation. The next decade will be critical for these homes in particular, with the Clean Growth Strategy setting out the Government’s commitment to phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating installations, in both new and existing off gas grid homes, during the 2020s. Why Focus on Off Gas Grid Properties? Over the next ten years, the Government have some key decisions to make regarding the decarbonisation of heat, including the role of electrification and the future of gas networks. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) advise that until such decisions are made, the UK Government can keep their options open by accelerating the deployment of what they consider to be ‘low regret’ options, including the deployment of heat pumps in homes off the gas grid. These homes are largely heated by highly carbon intensive fuels, such as heating oil, LPG and coal and can face higher and more volatile energy prices. Installing heat pumps in these properties now, can allow homeowners to benefit from carbon and fuel bill savings immediately. Investing in these homes will also have benefits for the wider market; helping to prime industry ahead of the mass uptake of low carbon heat and make deployment easier, as the full switch is made. How Can Change be Unlocked? Whilst there are clear benefits to focusing on off gas grid homes as one of the August | September 2021 N E T Z E R O

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