MCS has also called for the amount of grant and the technology-neutral approach of the proposal to be reconsidered, as part of its response to the government’s ‘future support for low carbon heat’ consultation.
Now closed for further submissions, the consultation relates to what financial support mechanisms will follow the closure of the domestic RHI in 2022.
The government has proposed that the CHGS would offer upfront funding of up to £4000 for each household or business purchasing renewable heating technologies.
The grant is targeted at supporting air, ground and water source heat pumps (with a capacity up to 45kW) and also biomass systems in limited circumstances where properties have been deemed unsuitable for a heat pump.
Hybrid systems and solar thermal have been excluded.
MCS says this raises the prospect of more appropriate solutions being overlooked that are more expensive upfront but deliver better long-term savings both financially and in carbon output.
It also highlights that solar thermal should be included as a credible technology and that the role that biomass can play has been underestimated.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS said; “Ultimately the proposals aren’t enough. The biggest frustration is that as an industry, we’ve had to appraise this in isolation without an understanding of the broader policy framework. Funding and incentives for low carbon heat should be designed to underpin the development and expansion of small-scale renewables so in our response we call for a comprehensive, broader policy landscape with an ambitious focus on domestic heat decarbonisation.”
The full consultation response from MCS can be accessed here.