Heating in residential, commercial and industrial settings makes up almost half of final energy consumption in the UK, more than the energy consumed for electricity or transport. The electrification of heat is anticipated to play a major role for the UK’s efforts to reduce emissions to Net Zero by 2050. These Briefing Papers investigate how the transition to low-carbon heating can be achieved.

Papers

Smart and Flexible Electric Heat

This Briefing Paper explores the potential for smart flexible low-carbon electric heating in UK homes and the challenges for consumer engagement, looking at four key areas: low-carbon heating systems; cost-reflective electricity pricing; thermally efficient buildings; and smart storage devices.

The Future of Home Heating

In this Briefing Paper, the prospects for the future of home heating are analysed with specific reference to heat pumps and hydrogen heating. The report is based on extensive literature on the topic of decarbonisation of the heat industry in the UK and discusses the various advantages, challenges, and technicalities surrounding the two technologies.

Accelerating the Transition to Heat Pumps

This Briefing Paper explores in detail the potential impacts and feasibility of one approach to supporting the transition to heat pumps: leveraging early adopters by measuring in-situ installation outcomes and sharing these as case studies to enable peer-to-peer learning among consumers and installers.