Monday 30 September 2024

‘UK falls behind Europe in sustainable heating’

A new report by economic consultancy NERA found that energy from waste (EfW) powered heat networks could save households up to £22,000 over a 25-year period, compared to traditional heating methods like gas boilers and low carbon alternatives such as heat pumps.

Heat networks are currently underutilised in the UK, serving less than 3 per cent of the heat demand. In contrast, countries like Denmark and Sweden have market penetration rates of 64 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively.

The UK must accelerate its adoption of this vital technology to reach its 2050 target of around 20 per cent.

EfW offers both significant cost savings and carbon reductions by minimising the use of gas in homes, which also improves air quality. This approach will benefit both cities and rural areas.

The report urges the UK Government and Ofgem to implement policies that encourage investment in heat networks. This involves setting up strong regulations and creating systems to guarantee a steady heat supply from EfW plants.

It also recommends incentive schemes to improve coordination among those involved in generating, distributing and using EfW heat. These incentives would help overcome the challenges faced by early adopters, unlocking the full potential of heat networks.

Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of Environmental Services Association said: 'This report underscores the critical role that energy from waste can play in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts, making the best use of the heat produced and advancing us towards a circular economy. EfW-powered heat networks represent a significant opportunity to not only cut carbon emissions but also to drive innovation and efficiency across the sector.'