Plans to phase out traditional oil and LPG boilers have been delayed. Martyn Bridges, of heating specialists Bosch, explains what this means for businesses and consumers.

A few factors - but principally the cost-of-living crisis - has forced the government to rethink some of their original timelines and plans for net zero.

Plans to ban oil, LPG and coal heating have now been put on hold for 10 years until 2035.

This is particularly good news for rural Worcestershire, where a substantial number of households rely on ‘off-grid’ energy sources.

But cash-strapped households will also welcome the news that, contrary to popular belief, you can still buy a boiler and use it until its final flame, even after any proposed ban comes into force.

As Martyn points out, the move towards full green energy will be gradual, as alternatives are “currently fairly limited”, but it’s still a good idea to look ahead – not back.

Electric heat pumps are the government’s green technology of choice, but these are costly, even with generous grant aid, and can be difficult to install. They take up more space than a combi boiler – inside and out - and may require new radiators and plumbing, plus a substantial hot water storage system.

Martyn says, “Tiny numbers were sold here last year compared to mainland Europe, but this may be because our gas grid is extremely good, with 85 per cent of all homes connected. Other countries don’t have this privilege so it’s easier for them to choose an electric-based pump system.”

But Bosch – while actively marketing heat pumps since 2008 – has long had another exciting technology in its sights.

The company is a major innovator in hydrogen, taking part in government-funded trials to repurpose the grid for use with this emerging new gas source. Whilst hydrogen-ready appliances are not yet on sale, the trial homes include a full suite of appliances including boilers, cookers, gas fires and even an outdoor barbecue – all developed to demonstrate the possibilities by manufacturers like Bosch.

Martyn adds, “The UK leads the way in hydrogen technology – there’s virtually none in the EU – and our government has committed to generating 10 gigawatts of hydrogen by 2030.

“That has potential to provide heat and cooking systems for millions of homes, and for carbon-intensive industrial clusters producing vital materials like steel and cement. But while trials are underway, a decision has yet to be made on converting the entire grid.”

Conversely, hydrogen is eyed with some suspicion in Europe: “In Germany for instance, people are struggling to afford expensive heat pumps, so there’s a lot of caution around potential costs.

“But work on replacing the UK’s grid network started back in the early 2000s, long before hydrogen was even a glint in the government’s eye. Over 170,000 miles of steel pipework underground is already being replaced by polypropylene.

“By pure luck, the government can see we’re already getting a grid which is fit for purpose for basically nothing. It means in theory you could end up with a hydrogen ready boiler for the same price as a gas boiler.”

Martyn concedes that running costs will initially be higher than natural gas, “but electricity is currently four times the price of gas, so it’s a case of weighing up the pros and cons and looking long term.”

In the meantime, Bosch is championing a hybrid home heating system as the perfect crossover.

“It’s a combination of a smaller heat pump outside which provides heating for around 80 per cent of the time, combined with a gas or oil-fired Combi boiler to generate hot water and heating in the coldest weather when the heat pump can’t cope. There’s no need to change radiators and pipework or find room for a hot water storage cylinder.

“These hybrid systems are already popular in Germany, France and Italy where – like the UK – people would love to be 100 per cent net zero. But they also know it realistically can’t be done all at once.”

Apartments could also be accommodated with a new type of heat network system located in their basements, and partly fed by industrial energy overspills, such as the new housing complex at Battersea Power Station, which has some of its heat supplied by the nearby Tube.

This type of solution could be well suited to big office blocks too. Some may even have capacity for a heat pump on the roof – The Shard already leads the way with a mixed-use system. “It’s not easy to retrofit an existing tower block, but it’s a labour of love when it happens,” says Martyn.

“Very few people say that net zero isn’t a good thing,” he concludes. “We just have to make sure we move ahead in a way that produces the best results for everyone.”

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk