Air-source heat pumps, those that might look like an air conditioning machine fixed on the outside of buildings, are being increasingly viewed as an imperative part of achieving net zero goals. However, independent advisors are warning that the government should fortify its subsidies for these heat pumps. The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has pointed out a sluggish pace in the installation of these pumps, putting the prime minister’s carbon commitments under scrutiny.
Also on the Commission’s agenda for a stronger influx of capital is urban transport. Keeping pragmatic approach towards achieving a net-zero economy in mind, the government assures to provide the most essential transport facilities.
When we speak of net-zero, we envision a stage where we are no longer contributing to the total greenhouse gas load in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide are released as a byproduct when we burn fuels like oil, gas and coal, in our homes, transport, and factories. These gases trap the sun’s energy, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
According to the 2015 Paris climate agreement, 197 countries, the UK included, have vowed to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C by 2100. The underlying solution is to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
The NIC, an advisory group for the government on infrastructure challenges, suggests that to meet the UK’s 2050 net-zero target, approximately eight million buildings will need to transition from gas boilers to cleaner alternatives by 2035. Currently, nearly nine out of every ten properties in England are heated by gas boilers. The Commission recommends heat pumps and heat networks as “the solution,” akin to their rapid deployment in other countries.
These heat pumps draw heat from the air, ground, or water around a building, powered electrically. For instance, air-source pumps draw in outdoor air, passing it over tubes with refrigerant fluids to generate heat.
However, the Commission’s report states that the current heat pump installation rate in the UK is inadequate. It comes in the light of Rishi Sunak’s decision to ease the plan to phase out gas boiler installation by 2035, aiming for an 80% phase-out instead to minimize household expenses. This move met criticism, with accusations of weakening the UK’s net-zero plans, but the prime minister reassured that the UK would meet its international commitments and achieve net-zero by 2050.
The chairman of the NIC, Sir John Armitt, expressed skepticism over Rishi Sunak’s promises. He stated that given the current installation rate of approximately 50-60,000 heat pumps per year, meeting the government’s target of 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028 is a distant dream.
The government currently allows homeowners to apply for a £7,500 grant under its Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pump installation, with £150m of annual funding. However, the Commission suggests the scheme’s expansion to approximately £6bn a year, enabling the poorest households to afford a fully-funded installation. The Commission also suggests subsidies of £7,000 towards the installation of an electrified heating system for all other property owners in the UK, coupled with zero per cent financing options.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is making moves to incentivize investment in the heat pump market, promising a funding of up to £30 million for UK manufacturing. This will aid in making the transition more appealing for consumers. Additionally, the department plans an infusion of £6.6bn into clean heat and energy efficiency, coupled with another £6 billion of new funding from 2025.
However, the NIC report points out “significant deficiencies,” stalling the nation’s progress. An absence of any major water supply reservoirs built in England in the last thirty years and stagnant recycling rates for the past decade are among the key issues. The report also stresses the need for bolstering transport, particularly in light of the scaling back of the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2 earlier this month.
The Department for Transport has come under the NIC’s request for investment of £22bn to enhance public transport in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Manchester, claiming congestion relief and boosting economic growth as the resulting benefits.
On its part, the government maintains that its Network North plan will serve the citizens’ best transport interests while easing the burdens on working people. It reiterates its commitment to a pragmatic approach towards net-zero, vowing to support households and families in making greener choices. Over the next five years, it plans to invest £600bn in infrastructure, R&D and defence, with a focus to revamp connections in city regions and a concentrated effort to decarbonise buildings.
