ETI Insights Report - Smart Systems and Heat - Decarbonising Heat for UK Homes

Abstract:

The buildings sector needs to be largely decarbonised as part of a least cost low carbon energy system. There are two principal pathways for domestic space and water heating, with different inherent features. Consumers want better control of the time, effort and money they spend making a comfortable, healthy home – it is not simply about minimising their running costs

Key headlines

• The near total elimination of carbon emissions from existing homes is required by 2050
• There are two key solutions for low carbon home heating – local area schemes using heat networks and individual home systems using electric heat, each with different challenges
• Compelling consumer propositions and business models are needed. Social benefits will also be important and affordability needs to be a key element of transition planning
• A system level frameworkis required to package known but underdeveloped technologies into integrated solutions
• System designs and local spatial plans are needed for the efficient development of energy assets and to support end-user engagement
• Integrating the delivery of an energy system transition strategy into local planning processes, with local ownership, will be key to the delivery of near zero emissions
• Low carbon heating systems will introduce the need for new heat production and network assets, along with significant electricity network reinforcement, whilst the utilisation of local gas distribution networks will be reduced
•  The next decade will be critical in preparing for the transition and building confidence. A policy framework is required that supports the combination of individual and collective decisions and investments. Rapid implementation is then required from 2025

Publication Year:

2015

Publisher:

ETI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5286/UKERC.EDC.000773

Author(s):

Douglas, J.