A new study has been published by Baxi which explores the potential for the wider use of hybrid heat pump systems in the UK. The heating solutions manufacturer commissioned Gemserv to produce the whitepaper – entitled ‘Unlocking the Power of Heat Pumps with Hybrid Installations’ – which explores the suitability of heat pumps deployed in hybrid configuration with new or existing gas boilers and highlights a series of policy recommendations to help accelerate heat decarbonisation.
These include consideration for eligibility under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, better representation of hybrid systems’ carbon saving benefits under the Clean Heat Market Mechanism and a rebalancing of electricity prices to help reduce running costs.
The report suggests that hybrid systems could provide a solution for properties with an existing combi boiler and no space for a hot water cylinder, they can be less disruptive to consumers as they can work with existing radiators and pipework and still produce significant carbon savings (52% lower carbon emissions than a standalone gas boiler and 72% lower emissions than an oil boiler).
The report also highlights learnings from the rest of Europe, including countries that are incentivising the installation of hybrid systems as a transition technology. For example, following extensive deployment in the Netherlands, the state was considering whether to mandate hybrid systems as the minimum requirement for all retrofit installations.
Speaking at the launch of the whitepaper, Jeff House, external affairs and policy director at Baxi, explains: “There has been no shortage of ambition to decarbonise heat in the UK, as demonstrated through the Government’s commitment to make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower and the additional support provided through the Warm Homes Plan. However, we wanted to commission this report to demonstrate that there is a real missed opportunity when it comes to including hybrid systems within these policies.
“Whilst heat pumps, whether deployed individually or at the heart of heat networks, will be one of the key mass market drivers of decarbonised heat, we have a responsibility to ensure a balanced and equitable transition in line with consumer needs. A hybrid system offers advantages as a transitional technology, not only in terms of overcoming some technical barriers to make them more cost effective in difficult to decarbonise homes, but also for energy system flexibility and resilience.”
“By including hybrids in more incentives such as Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Clean Heat Market Mechanism, we can expect to see the same spikes in uptake that there have been in Europe. Add to the addressing of the gap between electricity and gas prices for householders and we could well see uptake for clean heat technologies accelerate at the rate we need it to.”
The launch event, which took place place today (28th November) in Westminster, included an in-depth panel discussion on hybrid systems with industry experts from Gemserv, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Heat Pump Association and Passiv UK.
You can access the report here.
