20th
Jan 2025
The government's move to abandon the proposed ban on new gas boilers from 2035 has been labelled as "regressive" by a heat pump supplier.
According to the I newspaper, gas boilers will still be effectively banned in all new-build properties due to restrictive green guidelines under the upcoming 'warm homes plan,' expected to be confirmed later this year. However, the previously planned rule by the Tories, which would have prohibited the replacement of existing gas boilers with new ones from 2035, is now to be ditched by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
In response to the newspaper's report, the heat pump supplier states that there are at least 250,000 certified heat pump installations across the UK and around 60,000 installed last year alone.
The company also emphasises that several suppliers now offer special electricity tariffs tailored for heat pump users, addressing the past criticism of high running costs associated with using electricity for these systems.
A spokesperson the company says: “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.
“New figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme show that nearly 60,000 heat pumps were installed across the UK in 2024, a record-breaking achievement and a 100% increase on 2022. This remarkable growth confirms that the heat pump sector is not only ready to rise to the challenge but is also one of the UK’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding industries.
“A hard ban on the installation of new gas boilers by 2035 would provide an unambiguous signal to the heating industry and investors that it is time to divest from fossil fuels and fossil fuel-related products and services. Clear policy commitments like this are essential for accelerating the shift to greener and cleaner technologies, and helps to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable innovation.”
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