It is generally accepted that we need to phase out fossil fuels as an energy source. The government had previously stated that 2035 would be the final year for gas boilers. However, that date no longer appears solid, and it is unclear whether the UK will meet its target without making some significant changes.
The current plan
There are two aspects to the current plan to ensure that gas boilers are no longer present in British homes. One is the Future Homes Standard, to ensure that no new houses are built with gas boilers fitted. The other, less certain policy is that existing gas boilers should be replaced by 2035. This does not mean removing existing boilers, but simply replacing them when they reach the end of their natural lifespan, generally around 15 years. It would therefore ensure that all boilers could be replaced by 2050, the year that we are meant to hit net zero.
Clean Market Mechanism
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism requires any boiler manufacturer to offset their boiler production with a specific number of heat pumps. It is currently 6 heat pumps per 100 boilers, but that could be increased. The problem is that if you reach 100 heat pumps per 100 boilers, the incentive fades.
Incentivise the public
If you want more people to choose clean alternatives to gas boilers, they need incentives other than knowing they are more sustainable. This could include subsidies for installing air source heat pumps Worcester, such as those from https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/worcester, or changes to the energy market to ensure energy from heat pumps is cheaper than that from gas.
Local rather than national
Some areas are likely to make the switch from gas boilers to alternatives more quickly than others. By phasing out gas at different paces, it will be easier to adjust to local needs without leaving anyone behind.
These measures should help encourage people to replace their gas boilers with alternatives, and ensure that new homes are free from gas boilers from the start, helping the government meet its climate change commitments.
