Latest news with #ClimateChangeCommittee
Telegraph
30-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Starmer is waking up to the reality of Labour's North Sea retreat
Could even Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, yet be persuaded to change his mind? Slowly but surely, reality is beginning to dawn on Downing Street. Crushing the life out of the North Sea's oil and gas won't help the environment. It's going to cost dearly in lost tax revenues, jobs and industrial expertise, and because even by the Climate Change Committee's calculations, the UK is going to consume billions of barrels more in oil before reaching net zero in 2050, it will further damage the balance of payments and threaten to leave an already vulnerable pound even more exposed to currency crisis. Anyone with half a brain would surely reverse course immediately on being presented with these self-evident truths; and indeed, for a moment there, I thought Sir Keir Starmer might actually do so after being lectured this week by Donald Trump on how Britain was throwing away its 'treasure chest' of North Sea assets. As if to placate his new bestie, Sir Keir said that oil and gas will remain part of the UK's energy mix 'for a long time'. As indeed it must. At the current rate of decline in North Sea production, it won't be our own oil and gas that supplies the market but someone else's – the Middle East, Norway, the US and perhaps even Russia. This plainly makes no sense at all when we still have plentiful quantities of the stuff sitting there underexploited on our very own doorstep. What's more, having others produce the stuff for us is likely to cost more in terms of emissions than extracting it ourselves, defeating the whole purpose of the policy. Things could scarcely look sillier; manifesto pledges essentially commit Labour to closing down a once-thriving but still entirely necessary industry. These commitments included no new development licences and raising the effective rate of tax on North Sea production to an almost prohibitive 78pc. As Trump pointed out, nobody is going to drill for oil and gas faced with taxes like these. I'm not party to Ed Miliband's latest thinking on these issues; the man's got religion, and won't easily be persuaded that he's barking up the wrong tree. Yet closer to the heart of government, in Downing Street and in the Treasury, the negative consequences of the current policy stance are better understood, and even Miliband, now that he's in government, is said to be more cognisant of what's at stake. Already, the Government is under intense pressure to change tack. Politically, any such climbdown would be difficult to manage, but beyond environmental activists, it's hard to see who of any importance might complain. Certainly, it would be difficult in terms of public relations. Inevitably, it would be spun as the UK giving up on climate change, even though, if other aspects of the energy transition are maintained, it would not in practical terms make a blind bit of difference. What's being asked is merely a bit of import substitution. OK, so that's not quite true of North Sea oil production, which is largely exported. But a lot of this comes back to us in refined form, and virtually all gas production is domestically consumed. The Climate Change Committee estimates that in getting to net zero, the UK economy still stands to consume 13bn to 15bn barrels of oil and gas between now and the target date of 2050. As things stand, just 4bn of that consumption is likely to come from UK offshore oil and gas production, with the rest having to be imported. With the right incentives, this home-grown element could plausibly be doubled, according to analysis commissioned by Offshore Energy UK, an industry lobby group, creating £165bn of additional economic value. For a Government desperate for economic growth, it would be an easy and relatively straightforward win, which would be perfectly compatible with current environmental commitments. It was presumptuous of Trump to lecture Starmer on how he should run his own country, but someone has to say these things, and on oil and gas production, it is just simple common sense. But one thing that Trump did get wrong was his observation that a drill-baby-drill approach to the North Sea would mean 'far lower [energy] costs for the people'. This would only be the case if other aspects of Britain's energy transition were abandoned, and even then, it would require oil and gas prices to stay low. Regrettably, this rarely happens for long, Putin's invasion of Ukraine being only the latest example of an economically crippling spike in carbon-based fuel costs. There's plenty of scope in the North Sea for further oil and gas extraction, but in overall terms, this is a mature and declining basin. However much the spigots are opened, it cannot make the UK self-sufficient in hydrocarbons. Onshore fracking could potentially make up the difference, but that boat sailed a long time ago, and even a Reform government would struggle to bring it back. Lack of self-sufficiency makes the UK completely different to the US, whose relatively low energy costs are the result of substantial domestic overproduction with limited opportunities for selling the surplus in export markets. In any case, gas prices in the UK, both wholesale and retail, are pretty similar to the rest of Europe; the big dividing line comes in electricity prices, which are among the highest. However much Miliband might want to deny it, this is almost entirely down to the pursuit of net zero, which requires the construction of a completely new infrastructure of renewables generation, together with the distribution network to link it all up. In the meantime, the old system of largely gas-fired generation has to be kept going for the days when the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine. In essence, we have committed ourselves to a duplicate system, one on top of the other, or an obviously grossly inefficient way of powering the country. As it is, the Government has been forced to offer a number of particularly high, minimum strike prices to ensure that its latest round of renewables licences does not flop like the last one. It will be many years before there is sufficient installed renewable, nuclear and storage capacity to be able to reliably switch the old infrastructure off. Sadly, Miliband's promise that household fuel bills will be £300 lower by 2030 is just wishful thinking. Giving offshore oil and gas a new lease of life won't help much with the cost of power, but it will both support the balance of payments and significantly boost long-term tax revenues. It will also help sustain thousands of highly paid jobs in Scotland and beyond, currently fast leaching away to other, less self-righteous parts of the world. Once upon a time, these things mattered to governments; common sense somehow got lost along the way.
South Wales Guardian
25-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Householders with heat pumps more satisfied than those with gas boilers
A survey of 3,000 nationally representative British households as part of a quarterly tracker study of homeowners across four countries reveals 94% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their heating tech. Half of those with heat pumps are extremely satisfied and 44% are satisfied with the clean tech heating their home. The survey also found 85% of people with a gas boiler – the main way homes are heated in the UK – are happy with them, with a little over half of gas boiler owners (52%) saying they are satisfied with their heating system, while a third (33%) are very satisfied. Other heating systems, including oil, wood and coal, and electric storage heaters, had lower satisfaction levels. Insights agency Electrify Research's Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS) surveys more than 4,000 homeowners quarterly across the UK, France, Germany and the US, quizzing them on heating systems, electric vehicles and solar power. Large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is seen as key to replacing the widespread use of gas boilers in heating to reduce carbon emissions from homes as part of targets to cut greenhouse gases to 'net zero' by 2050. While the number of heat pumps being installed in the UK is growing, with the help of Government grants, it remains far below what will be needed in coming years to meet climate change targets, and only a small proportion of British homes have them. Concerns about heat pumps including upfront installation costs and disruption, and whether they will work in people's homes. The independent Climate Change Committee has found households would save around £700 a year on heating bills by 2050 from a shift to the highly efficient heat pumps, but also warned electricity costs need to be reduced to ensure households making the switch feel the cash benefits. Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, said: 'Heat pump owners are actively pleased with the heating systems – more so than all other types of system we asked about. 'Heat pumps sometimes get a lot of criticism in the popular press, but when you talk to their owners, they're generally delighted with them. 'This is important information that those considering the switch should consider as part of their decision-making process.' Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 'Demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly, with figures showing 2024 was a record year for installations, up 63% on the previous year, as more families take up our £7,500 grant. 'So it's fantastic to see that once people have made the switch they are really happy they did, and it's no surprise with households able to save £100 a year on their bills when using a smart tariff.' She said the Government is planning to expand its grant scheme to include air to air heat pumps and heat batteries to give families greater choice when upgrading their home heating. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, a charity which supports the decarbonisation of homes, said the results backed other evidence that householders 'really liked' their heat pumps. 'Heat pumps provide affordable running costs, consistently comfortable temperatures, and the satisfaction of knowing that your heating is not contributing to climate change,' he said. He added that Government-led information campaigns on heat pumps had helped increase installations, and said: 'Households must continue to be supported with information on how to install and operate heat pumps, so that more people can benefit from lower bills, increased comfort, and clean energy.' Commenting on the findings, Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, said: 'Heat pumps can be a great way to heat your home and cut your home's carbon emissions. 'They can also help to cut energy bills, particularly if they are used with a time-of-use tariff.' But she said installing a heat pump could involve complex and costly decisions, and Which? research showed high upfront costs and a lack of confidence in the technology remained some of the biggest barriers to installation. 'In order to support the transition to heat pumps, the Government needs to make sure the upfront costs of installing a heat pump are more affordable and people have access to good-quality independent advice and reliable installers so they can be confident they have the right heating system for their home,' she said.
Leader Live
25-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Householders with heat pumps more satisfied than those with gas boilers
A survey of 3,000 nationally representative British households as part of a quarterly tracker study of homeowners across four countries reveals 94% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their heating tech. Half of those with heat pumps are extremely satisfied and 44% are satisfied with the clean tech heating their home. The survey also found 85% of people with a gas boiler – the main way homes are heated in the UK – are happy with them, with a little over half of gas boiler owners (52%) saying they are satisfied with their heating system, while a third (33%) are very satisfied. Other heating systems, including oil, wood and coal, and electric storage heaters, had lower satisfaction levels. Insights agency Electrify Research's Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS) surveys more than 4,000 homeowners quarterly across the UK, France, Germany and the US, quizzing them on heating systems, electric vehicles and solar power. Large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is seen as key to replacing the widespread use of gas boilers in heating to reduce carbon emissions from homes as part of targets to cut greenhouse gases to 'net zero' by 2050. While the number of heat pumps being installed in the UK is growing, with the help of Government grants, it remains far below what will be needed in coming years to meet climate change targets, and only a small proportion of British homes have them. Concerns about heat pumps including upfront installation costs and disruption, and whether they will work in people's homes. The independent Climate Change Committee has found households would save around £700 a year on heating bills by 2050 from a shift to the highly efficient heat pumps, but also warned electricity costs need to be reduced to ensure households making the switch feel the cash benefits. Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, said: 'Heat pump owners are actively pleased with the heating systems – more so than all other types of system we asked about. 'Heat pumps sometimes get a lot of criticism in the popular press, but when you talk to their owners, they're generally delighted with them. 'This is important information that those considering the switch should consider as part of their decision-making process.' Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 'Demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly, with figures showing 2024 was a record year for installations, up 63% on the previous year, as more families take up our £7,500 grant. 'So it's fantastic to see that once people have made the switch they are really happy they did, and it's no surprise with households able to save £100 a year on their bills when using a smart tariff.' She said the Government is planning to expand its grant scheme to include air to air heat pumps and heat batteries to give families greater choice when upgrading their home heating. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, a charity which supports the decarbonisation of homes, said the results backed other evidence that householders 'really liked' their heat pumps. 'Heat pumps provide affordable running costs, consistently comfortable temperatures, and the satisfaction of knowing that your heating is not contributing to climate change,' he said. He added that Government-led information campaigns on heat pumps had helped increase installations, and said: 'Households must continue to be supported with information on how to install and operate heat pumps, so that more people can benefit from lower bills, increased comfort, and clean energy.' Commenting on the findings, Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, said: 'Heat pumps can be a great way to heat your home and cut your home's carbon emissions. 'They can also help to cut energy bills, particularly if they are used with a time-of-use tariff.' But she said installing a heat pump could involve complex and costly decisions, and Which? research showed high upfront costs and a lack of confidence in the technology remained some of the biggest barriers to installation. 'In order to support the transition to heat pumps, the Government needs to make sure the upfront costs of installing a heat pump are more affordable and people have access to good-quality independent advice and reliable installers so they can be confident they have the right heating system for their home,' she said.
Powys County Times
25-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Householders with heat pumps more satisfied than those with gas boilers
Homeowners with heat pumps are more satisfied with their home heating system than those with gas boilers or any other technology, research suggests. A survey of 3,000 nationally representative British households as part of a quarterly tracker study of homeowners across four countries reveals 94% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their heating tech. Half of those with heat pumps are extremely satisfied and 44% are satisfied with the clean tech heating their home. The survey also found 85% of people with a gas boiler – the main way homes are heated in the UK – are happy with them, with a little over half of gas boiler owners (52%) saying they are satisfied with their heating system, while a third (33%) are very satisfied. Other heating systems, including oil, wood and coal, and electric storage heaters, had lower satisfaction levels. Insights agency Electrify Research's Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS) surveys more than 4,000 homeowners quarterly across the UK, France, Germany and the US, quizzing them on heating systems, electric vehicles and solar power. Large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is seen as key to replacing the widespread use of gas boilers in heating to reduce carbon emissions from homes as part of targets to cut greenhouse gases to 'net zero' by 2050. While the number of heat pumps being installed in the UK is growing, with the help of Government grants, it remains far below what will be needed in coming years to meet climate change targets, and only a small proportion of British homes have them. Concerns about heat pumps including upfront installation costs and disruption, and whether they will work in people's homes. The independent Climate Change Committee has found households would save around £700 a year on heating bills by 2050 from a shift to the highly efficient heat pumps, but also warned electricity costs need to be reduced to ensure households making the switch feel the cash benefits. Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, said: 'Heat pump owners are actively pleased with the heating systems – more so than all other types of system we asked about. 'Heat pumps sometimes get a lot of criticism in the popular press, but when you talk to their owners, they're generally delighted with them. 'This is important information that those considering the switch should consider as part of their decision-making process.' Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 'Demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly, with figures showing 2024 was a record year for installations, up 63% on the previous year, as more families take up our £7,500 grant. 'So it's fantastic to see that once people have made the switch they are really happy they did, and it's no surprise with households able to save £100 a year on their bills when using a smart tariff.' She said the Government is planning to expand its grant scheme to include air to air heat pumps and heat batteries to give families greater choice when upgrading their home heating. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, a charity which supports the decarbonisation of homes, said the results backed other evidence that householders 'really liked' their heat pumps. 'Heat pumps provide affordable running costs, consistently comfortable temperatures, and the satisfaction of knowing that your heating is not contributing to climate change,' he said. He added that Government-led information campaigns on heat pumps had helped increase installations, and said: 'Households must continue to be supported with information on how to install and operate heat pumps, so that more people can benefit from lower bills, increased comfort, and clean energy.' Commenting on the findings, Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, said: 'Heat pumps can be a great way to heat your home and cut your home's carbon emissions. 'They can also help to cut energy bills, particularly if they are used with a time-of-use tariff.' But she said installing a heat pump could involve complex and costly decisions, and Which? research showed high upfront costs and a lack of confidence in the technology remained some of the biggest barriers to installation. 'In order to support the transition to heat pumps, the Government needs to make sure the upfront costs of installing a heat pump are more affordable and people have access to good-quality independent advice and reliable installers so they can be confident they have the right heating system for their home,' she said.
North Wales Chronicle
25-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Householders with heat pumps more satisfied than those with gas boilers
A survey of 3,000 nationally representative British households as part of a quarterly tracker study of homeowners across four countries reveals 94% of heat pump owners are satisfied with their heating tech. Half of those with heat pumps are extremely satisfied and 44% are satisfied with the clean tech heating their home. The survey also found 85% of people with a gas boiler – the main way homes are heated in the UK – are happy with them, with a little over half of gas boiler owners (52%) saying they are satisfied with their heating system, while a third (33%) are very satisfied. Other heating systems, including oil, wood and coal, and electric storage heaters, had lower satisfaction levels. Insights agency Electrify Research's Homeowner Electrification Tracker Study (HETS) surveys more than 4,000 homeowners quarterly across the UK, France, Germany and the US, quizzing them on heating systems, electric vehicles and solar power. Large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is seen as key to replacing the widespread use of gas boilers in heating to reduce carbon emissions from homes as part of targets to cut greenhouse gases to 'net zero' by 2050. While the number of heat pumps being installed in the UK is growing, with the help of Government grants, it remains far below what will be needed in coming years to meet climate change targets, and only a small proportion of British homes have them. Concerns about heat pumps including upfront installation costs and disruption, and whether they will work in people's homes. The independent Climate Change Committee has found households would save around £700 a year on heating bills by 2050 from a shift to the highly efficient heat pumps, but also warned electricity costs need to be reduced to ensure households making the switch feel the cash benefits. Ben Marks, managing director at Electrify Research, said: 'Heat pump owners are actively pleased with the heating systems – more so than all other types of system we asked about. 'Heat pumps sometimes get a lot of criticism in the popular press, but when you talk to their owners, they're generally delighted with them. 'This is important information that those considering the switch should consider as part of their decision-making process.' Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 'Demand for heat pumps is growing rapidly, with figures showing 2024 was a record year for installations, up 63% on the previous year, as more families take up our £7,500 grant. 'So it's fantastic to see that once people have made the switch they are really happy they did, and it's no surprise with households able to save £100 a year on their bills when using a smart tariff.' She said the Government is planning to expand its grant scheme to include air to air heat pumps and heat batteries to give families greater choice when upgrading their home heating. Garry Felgate, chief executive of The MCS Foundation, a charity which supports the decarbonisation of homes, said the results backed other evidence that householders 'really liked' their heat pumps. 'Heat pumps provide affordable running costs, consistently comfortable temperatures, and the satisfaction of knowing that your heating is not contributing to climate change,' he said. He added that Government-led information campaigns on heat pumps had helped increase installations, and said: 'Households must continue to be supported with information on how to install and operate heat pumps, so that more people can benefit from lower bills, increased comfort, and clean energy.' Commenting on the findings, Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights policy, said: 'Heat pumps can be a great way to heat your home and cut your home's carbon emissions. 'They can also help to cut energy bills, particularly if they are used with a time-of-use tariff.' But she said installing a heat pump could involve complex and costly decisions, and Which? research showed high upfront costs and a lack of confidence in the technology remained some of the biggest barriers to installation. 'In order to support the transition to heat pumps, the Government needs to make sure the upfront costs of installing a heat pump are more affordable and people have access to good-quality independent advice and reliable installers so they can be confident they have the right heating system for their home,' she said.
