Don’t backtrack on boilers – Energy Live News

By Finance News On Jan 7, 2025

Heat pump advocates have reacted to press reports that Labour plan to scrap the 2035 boiler ban.

The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) said it was “disappointed” by the reports saying this decision threatens to derail the UK’s journey to net zero, putting billions in private investment at risk

The trade body’s CEO Caroline Bragg said: “We are disappointed to hear reports that plans to phase out fossil boilers by 2035 may not be going ahead

“We know to meet our net zero targets heat decarbonisation needs to happen at pace – this can only occur with strong signals to industry and consumers. Weak signals and watered-down policy will jeopardise billions in green heating investment at the time when we need it the most.”

Heating accounts for 18% of the UK’s emissions and although still tiny, the sales of heat pumps are rising with recent data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), showing 250,000 installations.

In fact 2024 was a record year for heat pump installations, with nearly 60,000 air source heat pump installations recorded.

Daniel Särefjord, the CEO of heat pump suppliers Aira UK, said this nascent market could collapse if policy is changed.

He commented: “Should the government decide to scrap the 2035 ban on the installation of new gas boilers it will be a backward step that jeopardises the UK’s progress toward achieving its net zero targets.

“This decision would risk undermining one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and sends confusing signals to an industry poised to lead the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as people across the country.”