A new, independent report, Pathways for Heat: Low Carbon Heat for Buildings, by cross-party think tank group, Carbon Connect, and published in Parliament today (17 November), is calling for the next Government to set heat as a policy priority for the decade ahead.

The report’s launch follows a cross-party inquiry chaired by Shadow Energy Minister, Jonathan Reynolds MP, and Conservative, Dan Byles MP.

It takes stock of what we understand today about the challenge of decarbonising heat for buildings by comparing six pathways for the sector to 2050 from a variety of different organisations (DECC, CCC, ETI, National Grid, UKERC, Delta EE).

Sponsored by Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), the report is the first in a cross-party and independent inquiry series. The Future Heat Series is sponsored by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers.

Together, the pathways examined in the report paint a picture of the nationwide transformation getting underway in how we heat our homes and buildings. The report identifies that by 2050, gas used to heat buildings could fall by 75-95%, electricity increase from a 10% share today to 30-80%, and district heat increase from less than 2% to up to a 40% share. At the same time, energy efficiency could help to lower bills and offset the expected growth in our heating needs from an expanding population and building stock.

Across most pathways examined in the report, mass deployment of low carbon heat solutions ramps up in the lead-in to 2030. Carbon Connect’s overarching recommendation is that the next decade should be spent preparing by developing a robust strategy for decarbonising heat in buildings whilst testing and scaling up delivery models. The report calls for the next Government to prioritise these preparations in the same way that preparing for power sector decarbonisation has been the overriding focus of energy policy in the past decade.

The Future Heat Series brings together politicians, policy and academic experts, and industry leaders. Together, this coalition of key figures is taking stock of evidence, progressing the policy debate in an open and constructive forum and building consensus for prioritising and transforming heat. Pathways for Heat is the first part of the Future Heat Series and presents six recommendations and over 20 findings.

Speaking ahead of the launch, inquiry co-chair and Shadow Energy Minister, Jonathan Reynolds MP, said: “This report is an important contribution to the debate about the future of heat policy in Britain. If we are to meet our carbon reduction commitments, we need to think about how we use energy and heat our homes. I welcome Carbon Connect’s report and commend the cross-party, evidence-based and constructive approach they’ve taken.”

Mike Foster, CEO of EUA, sponsor of Pathways for Heat, said: “This report is most welcome as it adds to the weight of evidence policymakers have outlining the huge challenge the UK faces in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, keeping secure energy supplies and ensuring we can all afford to heat our homes. At the heart of the debate will be the future role of gas, the part that installers can play in helping consumers choose and the need for politicians to spell out more clearly the implications for all of us.”