Phasing out fossil fuel heating
www.nesta.org.uk/feature/a-policy-library-for-decarbonising-home-heating/phasing-out-fossil-fuel-heating/
www.nesta.org.uk/feature/a-policy-library-for-decarbonising-home-heating/phasing-out-fossil-fuel-heating/
Setting a clear direction about when and how fossil fuel heating will be phased out
Government policy should aim to make low-carbon heating the most attractive and affordable choice for households to encourage people to make the switch themselves. However, the UK Government also needs to ensure there is a clear timeline for phasing out fossil fuel heating.
As boilers reach the end of their lifespan and need replacing, the switch to low-carbon heating will happen gradually over many years. For the UK to meet net-zero commitments by 2050, without significantly impacting low-carbon heating installations, it needs to set out clear plans around how and when it will transition away from fossil fuel heating.
Delve into our latest work on phasing out fossil fuel heating below, or return to the main page to explore our other policy areas.
What potential does hydrogen have for home heating, and how do people feel about hydrogen boilers? Our work has suggested hydrogen is not the right solution for heating homes on a large scale.
This report examines the potential impact of introducing 'hydrogen-ready' boilers by 2026 on consumer behaviour towards low-carbon heating options like heat pumps. Conducted via Predictiv, an online experiment with 5,025 gas boiler users indicated no significant preference towards heat pumps when offered hydrogen boilers. Cost remains pivotal, as installation and running expenses for heat pumps were cited as deterrents.
The blog shows how hydrogen presents a promising yet complex solution for achieving the UK's net-zero goals. While it offers potential in hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry, its viability for widespread home heating remains uncertain. Issues such as cost, efficiency compared to alternatives like heat pumps, and infrastructure challenges suggest a cautious approach to its adoption. Therefore, prioritising proven technologies alongside strategic hydrogen deployment is prudent for effective and timely decarbonization efforts.
What are the best policies to signal the end of fossil fuel heating? How can we deal with the gas grid if we no longer use gas? Our work has looked at different ways to manage the shift away from gas heating.
The blog underscores the urgency of accelerating home decarbonisation in Scotland through widespread adoption of heat pumps and improved energy efficiency. Despite being responsible for a significant portion of carbon emissions, the transition to cleaner heating methods like heat pumps has been slow. Proposals for mandating heat pump installations at the point of home purchase are highlighted as a groundbreaking step, potentially enhancing property values and integrating clean heating into broader renovation projects.
In 2050, Britain stands at a crossroads with its vast gas grid spanning 284,000 kilometres across the nation. With a pledge to phase out fossil fuels for climate action, this feature argues the future of this crucial infrastructure is uncertain. Hydrogen emerges as a potential substitute, yet concerns persist over its practicality and economic viability for household heating. The looming decision in 2024 will determine whether to repurpose or decommission this vital network, marking a pivotal moment in Britain's energy transition.
The article explores the UK's journey towards a heat transition, aiming to replace all fossil fuel boilers with low carbon alternatives by 2050. Divided into three phases—growth, replacement, and decommissioning—it outlines challenges like increased electricity demand and declining gas usage. Planning is crucial, addressing grid constraints and affordability through subsidies and innovation, while public support is pivotal, especially during phases involving persuading reluctant households.
