The move means that the UK is on track to become the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions, with other major economies expected to follow suit.
The UK will conduct a further assessment within five years to confirm that other countries are taking similarly ambitious action, multiplying the effect of the UK’s lead and ensuring its industries do not face unfair competition.
Despite acknowledging in the past that a shift to solely using heat pumps would be impractical, the Heat Pumps Association (HPA) is calling on the government to promote wider support for heat pumps as a technology that is widely understood, and is available now. This means the work towards hitting this new target can begin immediately, without the need to develop new technology.
Graham Wright, chairman of the HPA, said: “We are extremely encouraged by the government’s decision to cut the UK’s emissions to almost zero by 2050, but to achieve this government and industry, collectively, must not ‘take our foot off the gas’. What industry needs now are clear signals, with explicit policy and well-communicated pathways to low carbon heating such as heat pumps.”
He continued: “The industry needs to prepare for increased production and training with a degree of certainty that is only achievable by clear policy and distinct time frames. The technology is widely available, but more structured training is needed to implement it. The HPA is ready to help government raise awareness among installers and customers and is already planning to set up its own training courses in the near future.”