Juliet Davenport: In its 2009 National Action Plan for renewable energy, the UK government set out aims for 30% of electricity demand, 12% of heat demand and 10% of transport demand to be met with renewable sources by 2020. While it looks likely that the electricity target will be hit, progress on heat (currently at 4.8%) and transport (which recently fell back to 4.1%) remains slow. Increasing both of these percentages won’t be easy but there are several opportunities that could really help change that. Over 70% of the UK’s heat generation is for use in our homes. While the UK has excellent gas-grid connectivity and some of the lowest domestic gas prices, many houses are poorly built and insulated, ranking amongst some of the worst in Europe. This makes efficient heating technologies such as low-temperature heat pumps and underfloor heating ineffective.
Good Energy 21st July 2016 read more »