Local governments must take responsibility for clean heat

In addition, the report, led by the University of Birmingham, emphasises the need to balance these on-the-ground local decisions with long-term policy decisions from Government. For example, it calls on the Government to fund pathfinder projects that will decarbonise 30,000 homes in the next five years and recommends the sale of natural gas boilers in the UK be banned by 2035.

Amid rising energy costs and worsening fuel poverty, the Policy Commission report ‘Pathways for Local Heat Delivery’ sends a timely reminder that clean technologies are available that could move homeowners and businesses away from fossil fuels.

To implement them successfully, however, will require a clear strategy backed by sufficient investment. And at the heart of that should be statutory targets for local authorities backed by resources to map existing technologies and engage with local communities.

Launched today [8 June 2022] at the House of Lords, the Policy Commission was led by researchers at the University’s Birmingham Energy Institute in collaboration with the Energy Research Accelerator. It was chaired by Sir John Armitt, chairman of the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission.

“British policy on heat decarbonisation needs a reset,” said Sir John. “The keys to this are simplicity, place and funding. Low carbon-heat is an inherently local challenge, with decisions about technologies and infrastructure varying by neighbourhood. It makes sense that councils lead this process.

“At the same time, the national approach has grown too complicated and needs streamlining. Again, the way to do this is by devolving decision-making to local governments.”

Alongside the call for decision-making to be devolved regionally, are a set of recommendations on thermal efficiency, including proposals to overhaul both the way thermal efficiency is calculated, and the system of grants and loans available.

“Getting on with efficiency improvements regardless of a ‘final heat solution’ is a no regrets move which will create jobs and reduce demand. To implement this, we need simple policy and support mechanisms,” added Sir John.

The report also recommends that the Government fund at least three major pathfinder projects within the next five years to test ways of decarbonising entire neighbourhoods.

One such pathfinder programme could be located in East Birmingham, where there are high rates of fuel poverty, combined with housing stock that mirrors the national picture in terms of different housing types and ages. In addition, the area has excellent local heat resources including a large untapped waste heat resource at Tyseley Energy Park.

Professor Martin Freer, Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute, said: “The Government needs to invest in these large projects to learn how to retrofit and decarbonise neighbourhoods at scale. The way to find out how to do that is to start doing it. At some point we have to commit – that time is now.”

Polly Billington, Chief Executive of UK100, says: "This report couldn't be more timely. Amidst an energy price crisis that shows no sign of letting up, we need to have a frank discussion about one of the biggest issues keeping us shackled to the volatile international gas markets. That issue is Britain's draughty homes, almost invariably heated, inefficiently and expensively, by fossil-fuelled boilers."

"The recent windfall tax-funded energy bill grants are welcome, but they are a short-term sticking plaster. To stop throwing good money after bad, the Government needs to take heed of this report and support people to lower their bills in the long term. That means boosting support for a nationwide, locally-led programme to upgrade our leaky homes while accelerating the transition from gas boilers to clean heating."

"Not only will this help bring down household energy bills, but it will also drive progress toward our Net Zero targets. After all, the cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy we don't use.”

"And, as this report makes clear, local and regional leaders up and down the country are best placed to deliver these changes quickly and cost-effectively."

Sustainable energy provider E.ON is supporting a project by the University of Birmingham to create a National Centre for the Decarbonisation of Heat, which aims of create a central hub for training and education in low-carbon heating and renewable energy in the West Midlands. The centre would support ongoing training and development on decarbonising the area, as well as improving the homes of fuel poor customers, by introducing new technologies and educating people on how they can reduce their energy costs.

Michael Lewis, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: “Greening our economy is the solution to our economic and energy issues now and for the long term, and the decisions we take in the next few years will determine our ability to meet 2050 zero carbon targets.

“This report calls out the need for key reforms which are essential for decarbonising whole communities and supporting the transition to zero carbon. It’s vital we take communities on this journey, to educate them on these new technologies and overcome any barriers we face. Allied to that, a new National Centre will support local employment and provide many of the heat pump engineers we need to scale up this important sector.”

Sir John concludes: “The challenge is that over the next 25 years we have to change our heating systems in 24 million homes. That can only be done with clear policies and local planning and delivery. The next five years are critical to developing a full understanding of technologies and networks.”