• Nesta says CCC advice shows how net zero can be delivered at even lower cost
• Government must not miss the boat with “years of consultations, pilots and stalling”
• Heat pumps are most cost-effective way to cut carbon from homes so electricity needs to be cheaper by rebalancing levies

The innovation foundation Nesta has responded to the latest advice to the Government by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in its seventh Carbon Budget, published today and setting out how to achieve a decarbonised UK by 2050.

Madeleine Gabriel, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said: “The Climate Change Committee’s latest advice unveils a robust pathway to net zero at lowest cost. It is clear that heat pumps are the most cost-effective way to cut carbon pollution from UK homes.

“Net zero is within the UK’s grasp only if home heating is tackled in the right way. The CCC has provided much-needed clarity about the solutions, but the Government must not miss the boat in delivering the policies and programmes needed to make this happen - including the 3 million heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems that need to be installed in this Parliament. We have clear direction now, including that hydrogen is not viable for home heating, and the UK cannot afford more years of consultations, pilots and stalling. The most important first step is for the Government to focus on ways to make electricity cheaper, such as by rebalancing the levies that artificially push electricity bills up.”

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the analysis or to speak to one of the experts involved, please contact Kieran Lowe, Media Manager, on 020 7438 2576 or [email protected]. Spokespeople are available for broadcast interviews.

About Nesta

Nesta is an independent think tank focused on solving society’s biggest challenges.

Nesta conducts experiments with public and private organisations, builds and invests in early-stage ventures, and shapes policy.

Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet.

For over 20 years, Nesta has worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we design, test and scale solutions to change millions of lives for the better. Find out more at nesta.org.uk