Many rural homes are much harder to heat than newer-built properties
A summary of the findings from independent think tank Localis, commissioned by Liquid Gas UK, on how the Heat and Buildings strategy could impact rural homeowners.
In response to the release of the government Heat and Buildings strategy in late 2021, Liquid Gas UK, the trade body for the LPG industry, commissioned a report to find out how the proposed approach to decarbonisation will affect rural homeowners ‘off-grid’.
The report – Reaching Rural Properties: off-grid heating in the transition to net zero – was launched this month by Localis.
Currently around four million households in the UK are off the gas grid, which is approximately 15% of all households. The current Heat and Buildings strategy proposes these homes move away from traditional fossil fuels to renewable, low carbon sources by 2026, which has caused a significant level of concern among rural homeowners.
The report aimed to further understand the implications of the strategy and gave strong recommendations on how government can reach net zero in a manner that meets the practical needs of off-grid homeowners.
What were the key findings from the report?
A one size fits all approach to decarbonisation is not appropriate
The strategy for decarbonising rural homes appears to be ‘all or nothing’ and doesn’t consider that some rural buildings are unpracticable for fitting new technology. To add to this, the cost of installing new systems could put some homeowners under significant financial strain.
The report therefore recommends that government takes a more flexible approach to decarbonisation and offer consumers more choice. It also encourages an extension of the deadline to end use of fossil fuels in new off-grid heating systems to 2030 instead of 2026. Localis propose this will ease the pressure on rural homeowners and create a smoother transition to net zero.
Communication with rural homeowners must be improved
The report found that engagement with rural homeowners is limited. To connect this demographic with the topic of decarbonisation, the government needs to raise awareness of their strategy and explain why it’s important, as well as communicate effectively about the different low carbon heating options available.
As well as incentives, more achievable improvements to heating efficiency should be provided as well as funding for enhancements to rural homes via local councils.
Decarbonisation will only be achieved through a mixed technology approach
A broad energy mix allows consumers greater choice, and will help to support the improvement of infrastructure, and stimulate the supply chain.
Incorporating renewable liquid fuels such as bioLPG and rDME, which are both being produced in the UK, into the strategy could play a key role in the decarbonisation of off-grid homes.
LPG reaction to report
Reflecting on the findings Sophia Haywood, Director of Public Affairs at Liquid Gas UK reiterates that the current government strategy for decarbonising off-grid heating is a one size fits all approach, which isn’t fit for purpose.
“The strategy doesn’t consider the needs of homes and businesses in rural areas, or the complexity of heating rural properties, which are typically harder to heat and expensive to retrofit.
“Liquid Gas UK welcomes the findings from the Localis report, and urges government to consider a broader energy mix, which includes LPG as the lowest carbon traditional fuel, and renewable liquid gases, such as bioLPG and rDME.
“The UK LPG industry has an ambition to be 100% renewable by 2040, with bioLPG already available on the market and a clear pathway to reaching Net Zero, this offers real choice for the consumer as they look to reduce their carbon footprint. A mixed technology approach to decarbonisation is vital, if UK Government are serious about delivering a just transition in rural areas.”
To find out more about bioLPG visit liquidgasuk.org/about/biolpg
