Since the Clean Air Strategy emerged earlier this year, there has been increasing pressure for clearer measures to reduce fossil fuel heating across the UK, and the globe. The government has increased it’s commitment to end fossil fuel heating in all new homes by 2025. Gas boilers currently in use in the UK will not be suitable for use in new homes by this date. Accelerating the decarbonisation of national gas supplies by stepping up the proportion of green gas in the grid was identified by the Treasury as another key priority to reducing carbon emissions.
Earlier in the year, the UK became the first major nation to pledge “Net Zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The UK has already reduced emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72%. This green focus could see the number of “green collar jobs” increase to over 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy grow to £170 billion a year by 2030.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore said:
“The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions.
Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, while remaining committed to growing the economy – putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.
We’re pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy.”
The announcement regarding the 2025 deadline created a number of reactions in the heating sector. Many businesses highlighted the need to embrace technology, to help decarbonise heat. Companies such as Worcester Bosch are already creating hydrogen gas boilers, which could play a key part in helping decarbonise the heating of homes. The Heat Pump Association, has called for wider support for heater pumps – another method of heating, which could significantly help towards decarbonising heat.
In order to encourage uptake of low carbon heat installations, like we have previously mentioned, it is important that the government and industry alike, educate customers on the wide range of options available and how these will impact on their energy bills and overall carbon emissions. Whilst the Clean Growth Strategy goes some way towards showing government’s commitment to decarbonisation, it is important that this be followed by action. This needs to happen sooner rather than later.
Learn more about how wood burning stoves can contribute to a decarbonised future. More info
