Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch, discusses net zero plans and targets for the heating industry, while shedding some light on the manufacturers matched development in the space.
The goal we are currently aiming for, and on track towards, is net zero carbon by 2050. This is no secret, as from energy price increases to the changing landscape of fuel and the introduction of hydrogen systems, the topic in daily national news centres around the future of our heating and hot water, and the world.
We are currently on track towards the 2050 target, however with such a drastic ask, change is inevitable and new technology will continue to be developed to help create a greener way of heating our homes.
Plans for Worcester
Worcester Bosch has historically been known as a gas or oil boiler manufacturer and of course both of these technologies emit carbon. With the industry moving towards a net zero future we are actively researching the potential for replacing these current gas and oil supplies with zero carbon sources. Some of which include hydrogen gas and HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), used with oil-fired boilers, and of course LPG which can be replaced with bio-LPG in years to come.
At Worcester Bosch reaching a zero-carbon way of life is at the forefront of our plans. Statistics show that 71% of the nation worry about climate change and how sustainably they are leading their lives on a daily basis – which is why our focus to date, and in the future will remain on sustainable practices.
While we are still in the process of developing and progressing the resources we use to manufacture our products, product efficiency is an area we have developed significantly over the years. With a third of UK greenhouse gases emerging from our homes, we recognise that we need to do all that we can to reduce this so our products only use the necessary energy to run.
Currently we are developing appliances which will run on carbon-free gas such as hydrogen or low carbon electricity, including heat pumps. Our Greenstar gas boiler range can run on a 20% hydrogen blend, at ERP rated efficiency levels in Band A. With the Government indicating that they want to introduce a 20% blend of Hydrogen into the gas grid starting in 2023, Greenstar boilers will demonstrate they are a more sustainable option moving forward.
Breaking down technology
In addition to the technology changes stated previously, heat pumps are an important source to note, and one which is growing in popularity. Heat pumps specifically are electric based and as a grid functions on a relatively low carbon source for much of the time, heat pumps come as the perfect answer in a quest toward net zero carbon.
Heat pumps operate at a lower temperature than a boiler. They have an outdoor unit, an indoor unit and a hot water storage cylinder, so replacing something like a combi boiler with a heat pump is sometimes quite a challenge.
A home being built under the 2025 Building Regulations is very unlikely to have a gas or oil fired boiler installed in it and will be more likely to have an electric-based heat pump.
Another alternative to a heat pump could be a heat interface unit, which can be installed in close density or apartment blocks where heat is taken from a central source and then circulated through the various houses and apartments. Heat interface units are extremely prominent in Eastern Europe.
In summary, most of the technologies that we have been used to for the last 50 years are likely to be moving to a different fuel, or even a different technology source such as a heat pump or a heat interface unit.
It is an exciting time for the industry as 16% of all the CO2 emissions the country generates are from home heating and hot water, and we intend to play a big part in helping to reduce this as 2050 approaches and long after this.