BSEE-NOV21-PG10-11_Layout 1 25/10/2021 15:22 Page 10
BSEE
n recent months, clear government policy on domestic heating has been somewhat lacking, even with the release of key Strategy Papers.
Yet other developments have given an indication into what we can expect for UK policy for the rest of 2021 and into 2022. So, what is the current domestic policy landscape and what can be said for the future?
Hydrogen Strategy Paper: not much to say
Martyn Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch, discuss the latest on domestic policy in the UK.
We all eagerly awaited the Hydrogen Strategy Paper from the beginning of 2021, with the expectation that it would shed significant light on the Government’s plan for a transition to hydrogen. Although it was originally due for release in Q1, the Paper was not released until Q3. On top of the delay, the industry was perhaps disappointed with the paucity of detail afforded to the topic of home heating in the Paper. Of the 120 pages encompassing the Hydrogen Strategy Paper, just three addressed this pertinent topic.
Even then, the Paper largely alluded to the Heat and Buildings Strategy for clear answers on how government plans to address decarbonisation in our homes; and failed to offer any firm solutions.
Heat and Buildings Strategy: Similarly to the Hydrogen Strategy paper, the
industry awaited the release of the Heat and Buildings Strategy with bated breath. Since released, the Strategy shows a strong focus on heat pumps. Although it gives a clear indication of ongoing investment on low carbon heating, it doesn’t necessarily go far enough.
BOILERS & HOT WATER
Domestic heating policy update I
When considering a heat pump there are many factors to assess which are not considered within the Strategy, such as the property’s suitability. A home may need to be adapted to accommodate a heat pump, such as resizing radiators and making space for hot water cylinders, which carry cost implications.
The Strategy may propose £5,000 grants to help with the cost to purchase a heat
pump, but there will still be costly investment required from homeowners in existing properties. Overall, this is disappointing, as for years the industry has warned the Government about the disparity in cost between the installation of many low carbon options and the installation of a boiler. The Government’s own figures, published in July 2020, suggest that the cost of heat pump installation ranges from £8,000 to £14,000, and boiler replacement remains at a far lower £2,500.
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