Heat is the ‘sleeping giant’ of UK energy use

Heat is the ‘sleeping giant’ of our energy use, according to a heat energy group. The Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) claims in a new report out today that […]

Heat is the ‘sleeping giant’ of our energy use, according to a heat energy group.

The Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) claims in a new report out today that we must cut emissions from heat to hit the UK’s low carbon targets.

The report comes ahead of the Government’s Heat Strategy which is due out in the next few weeks.

Heat provision currently accounts for more than half of the UK’s energy demand.

Graham Meeks, CHPA director said: “It has now become essential that reducing emissions from heat be placed at the heart of energy policy if the UK is to meet its decarbonisation targets.

“Heat is not so much the Cinderella but rather the sleeping giant of our energy economy. The Heat Strategy we expect from the Government in the coming weeks is a welcome step forward. The sheer diversity in the way we use energy for heat demands that this new policy begins with the user.

“Consumers are at the heart of the vision that we have set out today and we hope that it is one that the Government builds upon in this next stage of the decarbonisation of our economy.”

The CHPA lays out a vision of industrial ‘clusters’ grouped around Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and CHP technology.

In built-up areas, it also suggest ‘heat networks’ are the most efficient way to decarbonise heat, using systems of underground, insulated pipes, which transport hot or cold water, from energy centres to end-users.

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