As the UK attempts to decarbonise residential heat to meet net zero by 2050, electric heat pumps along with heat networks are expected to play a key role. However, it is generally accepted that no one technology will be able to meet the needs of all households. If we are to deliver affordable low- carbon heating in the residential sector, we shall need as wide a range of technology options as possible to overcome the economic and technical challenges facing every customer.

Project GaIN (Gathering Insights) will explore alternatives to heat pumps and heat networks which can utilise the robust gas network and benefit from its current upgrade programme, supporting the aims of DESNZ’s decarbonisation of heat roadmap. The project will discover and assess additional technology options where alternative solutions might be more costly or difficult to deliver; this will include LAEP system benefits as well as localised CAPEX and OPEX costs.

Benefits

Indeed, as the gas grid decarbonises, advanced gas solutions operating in a whole system environment would offer low carbon heat both now and in the longer term, with a trajectory that leads to zero carbon heating with a more effective overall energy system that utilises the existing gas and electricity distribution infrastructure to maximum impact at least cost. This provides immediate decarbonised solutions to consumers that not only would reduce carbon emissions, but could also save substantial sums required to upgrade electricity infrastructure, whilst addressing the challenge of stranded gas assets which is emerging as a major challenge to the energy transition.