In a position paper formally submitted to government departments today, they argue that GAHPs can deliver cost and carbon reductions, without loss of comfort or costly infrastructure upgrades.
GAHPs are certified as a renewable technology at EU level and its role in decarbonising heat supply is recognised in the government’s heat strategy. While an electric heat pump uses an electric driven compressor, a GAHP uses gas to drive the heat transfer process.
Baxi, British Gas, Calor and Robur have therefore decided to undertake a joint initiative to work with policy stakeholders to deliver the long-term strategic potential for the technology. The main objectives of this initiative are:
• Achieving RHI eligibility and inclusion in the next formal non-domestic RHI review; RHI support is key in order to kick-start the GAHP market and enable a level playing field with other low carbon heating solutions in the UK.
• Receiving increased policy recognition in Scotland’s Heat Generation Policy Statement which is expected to be published early 2014.
• Increasing awareness, visibility and exposure for GAHPs and their potential to contribute to the attainment of energy strategy objectives.
DECC has scheduled in next non-domestic RHI review for 2014. If GAHPs are not included following this review then the next opportunity will be 2017.