The ADE: ‘Government must step up to the plate if the UK is to deliver low carbon heat’

More sustained policy from Government is needed to drive certainty and investment in low carbon heat.  Heat networks and the myriad of benefits they offer need to be a larger part of the conversation if they are to decarbonise all of the UK’s towns and cities. Government needs to step up to the plate and prioritise delivering affordable and low carbon heat, says the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE). The trade association contributed to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee report published this morning, titled 'Decarbonising heat in homes', and welcomes the conclusion that more sustained policy from Government is needed to drive certainty and investment in low carbon heat.Link to report: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmbeis/1038/report.htmlThe ADE welcomes the raft of recommendations found in the report, but notes that heat networks need to be a much larger part of the conversation; unless their crucial role in delivering decarbonised heat is given due attention, the market will not grow to the point where it can deliver its essential task of decarbonising the 300 biggest towns and cities across the UK. The ADE is pleased to see that the report highlights the lack of strong and clear policy surrounding heat decarbonisation and emphasises the importance of tackling challenges across the heat and energy efficiency space in a synchronised and connected way. Caroline Bragg, Director of Policy and Research at the ADE, commented:Looking at the new BEIS Committee report, it’s comforting to see the emphasis given to heat networks as a key part of this, as well as the focus on joined-up energy efficiency action.  However, we do believe the true potential of heat networks has yet to be realised and fully support the report’s stand-out message that more ambitious, more sustained policy from Government as a whole is needed.Notes to editors:About Heat NetworksHeat networks comprises a network of insulated pipes used to deliver heat from the point of generation, in the form of hot water or steam, to an end user. Heating networks provide the means to transport heat efficiently and can be supplied with heat from a diverse range of sources including power stations, waste-to-energy facilities, biomass boilers and CHP plants, gas-fired CHP units, heat pumps, electric boilers and even solar thermal arrays. Click here for more information about heat networks and here for case studies.About the ADE The ADE is bringing energy together to advocate on the priorities for the UK in achieving net zero. It is driving the decarbonisation of heat, championing the role of industry in the green transition and pushing for UK homes, places of work and public services to be energy efficient and smart. The Association has more than 150 members active across a range of technologies and markets and is widely recognised as one of the leading industry bodies in the sustainable energy sector. For further information please contact: Jonny Bairstow Head of External Affairs Association for Decentralised Energy Tel: +44 (0) 7305 049584 jonny.bairstow@theade.co.uk