The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has called for a ‘clear and co-ordinated policy framework for heat decarbonisation’ to fill the ‘vacuum’ left after the closure of the Non-Domestic RHI (NDRHI).
The REA has urging the Government to publish a Heat and Buildings Strategy within a month, clearly setting out how they will address the large policy gap for industrial and commercial heat decarbonisation that has been left after the closure of the ND RHI in March. This strategy was originally set for publication last year, but has now been delayed for more than six months.
The REA has also asked that the Heat and Buildings Strategy has a multi-technology approach, with biomethane, clean hydrogen, biomass, heat pumps, deep geothermal and other low carbon heat technologies – those that all form part of the REA’s ‘Strategy for Net Zero’, published earlier this year.
In particular, the REA wants the Government to recognise the role that deep geothermal can play to help decarbonise heat in the UK by providing targeted support for the sector after the closure of the ND RHI.
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said: “The upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy must represent a watershed moment for UK heat decarbonisation by providing an urgently needed clear and co-ordinated policy framework. The sector cannot wait any longer – the Government must publish the Strategy within a month and address the large policy vacuum for industrial and commercial heat decarbonisation that has been left after the closure of the Non-Domestic RHI.
“There needs to be a multi-technology approach with a recognition that there is no one size fits all solution. Biomethane, clean hydrogen, biomass, heat pumps and deep geothermal all need their own dedicated focus and there must be measures that will narrow the price differential between low carbon systems and fossil fuels.
“The REA’s ‘Strategy for Net Zero’ set the ambition for renewable and low carbon heat to be dominant form of heat by 2035, with the UK’s heat demand to be entirely met by renewables by 2050. These targets are non-negotiable if the UK is to meet net zero and early action now is absolutely critical.”
Separately, the REA have broadly welcomed the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) Transition Scheme.
