IET responds to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero open consultation
Exploring the role of alternative clean heating solutions
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is in no doubt that alternative heating technologies will be a vital component in achieving the UK’s ambitious target of decarbonising properties. However, there are several important actions that must be considered if this objective is to be realised.
Drawing upon the wealth of expertise in our membership we recommend:
- Property Dependent Solutions: The IET recommends that the deployment of clean heating solutions be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking account of cost, space constraints, and overall system integration. Policy should prioritise solutions that are appropriate to the characteristics of individual premises rather than encouraging widespread adoption of a single technology.
- Correctly identify and prioritise high emitting buildings: Efforts to decarbonise buildings should be focused on properties that continue to rely on fossil-fuelled heating.
- Solution prioritisation: To maximise their impact, government policy should prioritise solutions that are compact, scalable, and suitable for mass production and installation.
- Investment in proven technologies: While investment in promising technologies is important, priority should focus on proven decarbonised heating solutions with the potential for large scale deployment.
- Renewable energy production: The implications for renewable energy production must be considered, given the very low round trip efficiencies associated with biofuel production as an energy carrier.