Commission calls for gas boilers to be banned from 2025

An independent commission has called on the government to ban the installation of conventional gas boilers in homes from 2025.

The commission, which was set up by the CBI and University of Birmingham has published a new report, which recommends that substantial acceleration in decarbonising heat in buildings and industrial processes is needed.

The Commission proposes that the government focuses on rapidly stimulating business investment in new technologies and phasing out all fossil fuel heating systems by 2050.

Heat is the largest single source of UK carbon emissions, accounting for over one-third.

Half of this comes from domestic buildings, the majority of which are heated by natural gas boilers.

The Commission proposes that the government focuses on rapidly stimulating business investment in new technologies and phasing out all fossil fuel heating systems by 2050.

As the UK grapples with the twin challenges of recovering from the pandemic and accelerating progress towards the UK’s net-zero target, the Commission’s new report outlines a series of practical recommendations to decarbonise heat, improve energy efficiency and promote transition to low carbon technologies, while delivering overall benefits to the whole economy.

The report’s other recommendations include:

• From 2025, conventional natural gas boilers should no longer be installed in people’s homes, with alternatives such as heat pumps, hybrid systems, and hydrogen-ready boilers being installed instead.
• Prioritising energy efficiency to prepare for the roll-out of a nationwide heat infrastructure upgrade that will support new jobs and skills opportunities.
• Establish a time-limited ‘Olympics-style’ national delivery body to lead the development and implementation of a national heat decarbonisation strategy.

‘A green recovery and progress towards the UK’s net-zero emission target are doomed to fail if we don’t address the urgent need to decarbonise the heat in our homes and buildings,’ said CBI president and commission chair, Lord Karan Billimoria.

‘Recent government announcements will undoubtedly fast-forward our transition towards net-zero.

‘The Commission’s recommendations offer a roadmap to accelerate progress, ensure our nation stays on a path to sustainable recovery and ensures the UK remains a global leader in meeting climate commitments.

‘Aside from the moral imperative, there’s also a strong economic case for protecting our planet. Large scale heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency would provide a huge jobs boost for the economy at a time when new career opportunities are needed more than ever,’ added the Lord.

Photo Credit – Ri (Pixabay)