Why the secret about Renewable Heat?

In the recently released Renewable Heat Report, devised and researched by European renewable heating company Innasol and analyst experts Frost & Sullivan, the question has been asked – is enough being done by the government to make the public aware of the potential economic and environmental benefits of renewable heating?

Currently, 78% of residential energy consumption and 55% of business energy consumption is as a result of heating requirements.  The DECC have recently estimated that an additional 750,000 renewable heat systems need to be installed in the UK by 2020 in order for the 2020 carbon targets to be met. Although the current non-domestic RHI and imminent arrival of the domestic RHI will aid the UK to meet these targets, more needs to be done to raise awareness of renewable heating solutions so both the economic and environmental benefits are fully understood by the public.

The report highlights a significant lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits offered by available renewable heating options, resulting in slow uptake of renewable technologies.

It is imperative for the ongoing growth and survival of the renewable heating industry and for the UK to meet is EU Energy and Carbon obligations, that renewable heat is promoted well and its uptake actively encouraged. The general public need to be well informed and educated on the technologies available; the polices, certification and customer protection schemes designed to support them, and the financial incentive schemes designed to assist them in making the change. With these barriers addressed, the public will be able to develop confidence in the unknown and move away from the gas and oil fired central heating systems of old.

Key Findings:

• The average UK household could save up to 45% on their heating bill by switching to a renewable heat technology.
• 38% of the UK’s total CO2 emmissions come from heating our houses and businesses.
• UK homes are the least energy efficient in Eurpoe, due to ageing housing stock.
• UK remains dependant on fossil fuels, with 95% coming from non-renewable sources.

The report can be read in full here.