“Extremely disappointing” – The MCS Foundation reacts to delay of Clean Heat Market Mechanism
Posted by: electime 18th March 2024
Responding to the news that the Government has delayed the implementation of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at the MCS Foundation said: “It is extremely disappointing to see that the Government has postponed one of the most important policies for getting the UK off fossil fuel heating.
“The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is crucial to the rollout of heat pumps, which are the only viable option to decarbonising at scale the 17 per cent of UK emissions that are created by heating our homes.
“The Government needs to immediately set out plans for how it intends to fill the huge gap in heat pump plans that they have just created. We need clear and consistent policy more than anything, and without that the UK’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 is in serious jeopardy.”
Responding to changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants for heat pump installations, which will no longer require homeowners to install insulation before applying for the grant, David Cowdrey added: “Making it easier and cheaper for homeowners to install heat pumps is a positive move, and will help build on recent growth in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants.
“However, much more needs to be done to support heat pump uptake, including cutting the price of electricity compared to gas to ensure heat pumps are always cheaper to run than a boiler. Without consistent and clear policy, grant schemes alone will not be enough to reach the target of 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028.”
Ian Rippin, MCS CEO, comments: “Following today’s announcement from Claire Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, we broadly welcome the announced changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in particular answering our calls to allow more consumers to take advantage of a broader choice of low carbon heating.
“Changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that mean homeowners will no longer need to install cavity wall or loft insulation to access the grant are certainly a positive development, opening up this crucial incentive to a wider potential audience. Regardless of the heat source, a fabric first approach is always the most sensible solution and something we continue to support. However, if insulation isn’t a pre-requisite for a boiler then it shouldn’t be for a low carbon heating source. We are hopeful this change empowers consumers and helps bolster confidence in proven technologies.
“Our MCS Biomass Standard includes biomass boilers with integrated cooking functions and so we are pleased that these are now also eligible under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This change opens up choice to more MCS certified biomass boiler products.
“The MCS certified contractor community continues to grow, with heat pump installations achieving record numbers so far this year, but for the UK to meet its Net Zero commitments, including reaching the government target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028, we hope to see increased support for homeowners who are keen to make the switch from gas boilers to low carbon heating.”
