UK: Manufacturers have endorsed industry support for the new Renewable Heat Incentive scheme for low carbon heating systems announced by the government.
Mitsubishi Electric, manufacturers of the Ecodan range of air source heat pumps, and Panasonic, manufacturers of Aquarea air to water heat pumps, have both added their backing

'This is a clear statement of long-term intent from the Government which gives everyone confidence that the scheme will help the market grow in a sustainable and meaningful way,' said John Kellett, general manager of Mitsubishi's Ecodan range.

'In particular, we are encouraged by the links with the Green Deal which will ensure that renewable technologies are only installed in properties that have been thermally improved to ensure that any renewable heat generated is not wasted.'

Renewable Heat Incentive payments will be conditional on a Green Deal assessment of the thermal efficiency improvements to the property, so that renewable heat is not wasted. Kellett is confident that this element will help promote the benefits of high performance heat pump systems such as Ecodan, as well as demonstrate the advantages over competing technologies.

Kellett believes that the Government has set the incentives at reasonable levels reflecting the differing upfront costs and levels of maintenance.

'We should now see a transformation in the use of renewable heat in this country and welcome the certainty that this will brings to the domestic sector,' ends Kellett.

Marc Diaz, UK country manager for Panasonic said: 'We are delighted that the Government has made the decision to extend the scheme and it is the news the renewables industry has been waiting for. The tariff levels released are fair and while a Green Deal assessment is needed, we don't see this as a barrier for householders to receive the full benefit of making the switch to renewable energy.'