Heat Pump News
Leadsom replaces Clark as Business Secretary
Andrea Leadsom replaces Greg Clark in Boris Johnson's new Government and Energy Minister Claire Perry has been named President of the UK's COP26 climate talks.
"Our house is on fire"
Greta Thunberg speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos and says "Our house is on fire", it is time for action, we do need to panic.
Philip Hammond bans fossil fuels for heating
The Chancellor bans the use of fossil fuels for heating in new homes from 2025.
Net Zero by 2050
The Climate Change Committee recommends a new target for the UK to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Prime Minister agrees to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Claire Perry supports heat pumps
Speaking in Westminster on Wednesday 10 October 2018 Claire Perry encourages the use of heat pumps.
The ENGINEER's Collaborate to Innovate Awards
The Balanced Energy Network won the Energy and Environment category in the ENGINEER's Collaborate to Innovate Award on 6 November 2018 for its Fifth Generation District Heat Network. The winning consortium, led by ICAX, included London South Bank University, Upside Energy, Mixergy, TFGI, Origen Power and Cranfield University.
The award ceremony was on 6 November at St Bart's Brewery, Smithfield, London EC1.
Heat Pumps and DSM
You are invited to the Heat Pumps and Demand Side Management seminar, which is being held on 7 November at The Building Centre, Store Street, London from 10am to 4pm.
Heat Pumps in London
The GLA has commissioned a study into the implications of a widespread uptake of heat pumps in London's new developments, driven by the decarbonisation of the electricity grid: Heat Pumps in London.
PAC reports on the RHI
The Public Accounts Committee published its critical Report on the RHI on 16 May 2018.
National Audit Office reports on RHI
The NAO report published on 23 February 2018 finds that take-up of the RHI scheme has been "much lower than originally anticipated".
Some 80,000 installations have been delivered by the RHI by December 2017. At current rates of take-up, the NAO estimates the RHI will achieve around 111,000 new installations by March 2021, just 22% of the original target of 513,000 by this date.
The NAO said the government needed to increase renewable heating rates in order to meet statutory carbon targets.
Clean Air Strategy
DERFA has published its Clean Air Strategy with the aim of reducing air pollution from combustion.
CO2 Concentration hits 403.3 ppm
The average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere rose to 403.3 parts per million in 2016, up from 400 ppm in 2015. This is the highest level seen for over 800,000 years according to the World Meteorological Organization. See BBC report.
Carbon Calculator and GridWatch
The GridWatch website shows you where UK electricity is currently generated from.
The HPF CO2 emissions calculator shows how much lower carbon emissions are form GSHP heating systems than from combustion-based heating systems for each kilowatt hour of heat delivered.
Clean Growth Strategy
BEIS has published its long awaited Clean Growth Plan as a Clean Growth Strategy
Heat Limits for Domestic RHI
Heat Limits for Domestic RHI will apply to systems accredited with Ofgem from 20 September 2017.
Google enters Ground Source Energy Market
Google spin-off, Danedlion, enters ground source energy market in New York state. By harnessing the power of ground source heating and cooling, Dandelion, a $2m start-up, hopes to cut the fuel bills of millions of Americans while also saving the planet from burning oil for heating or generating electricity for air conditioning.
Cost and drilling time has been cut thanks to Dandelion's new faster and smaller drilling rigs, and custom-made heat pumps designed to reduce the cost to around $5,000 each. Dandelion is also offering up monthly payments on financing packages for consumers and believes its $20,000 system pays for itself after around ten years. Because the pipes are durable, they'll last as long as the house itself and the expensive pump system will only be replaced after 25 years, meaning its cost melts away.
"For the past few years, my team and I have been on a mission to make it easier and more affordable to heat and cool homes with the clean, free, abundant, and renewable energy source right under our feet: geothermal energy", says Dandelion CEO Kathy Hannun in a blog post.
However, all these benefits are already available now in the UK through members of the HPC. They are also available more cheaply due to the Renewable Heat Incentive which only applies to the UK!
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 1 June BEIS announced a further 5% decrease in RHI for new biomass commercial installations to 2.71p from 1 July 2017, and a 10% decrease for RHI Domestic biomass to 3.85p. See Biomass degressions.
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 28 February BEIS announced a further 5% decrease in RHI for new biomass commercial installations to 2.85p from 1 April 2017. See Biomass degressions.
Separate RHI Scheme in Northern Ireland halted
Following accusations of widespread abuse of the biomass subsidy, the separate Renewable Heat Incentive scheme created for Northern Ireland has been terminated. The HPF notes that RHI in England, Scotland and Wales is a separate system designed by DECC and run by Ofgem: its future has been assured by the recent extension to its budget up to March 2021. See RHI in Northern Ireland terminates.
HPF welcomes RHI Consultation Response
HPF welcomes the publication of the RHI Consultation reponse on 14 December 2016, although we are disappointed to see the introduction of capping of RHI for large domestic properties as these have the largest potential to save carbon emissions.
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 30 November BEIS announced a further 5% decrease in RHI for new small biomass commercial installations to 3.10p from 1 January 2017. See Biomass degressions.
Committee on Climate Change urges Government action on reducing climate change
The Committee on Climate Change published its report on "Next Steps for UK Heat Policy" on 13 October 2016. It is urging full hearted support for heat pumps and also for the Government to consider the conversion of the gas grid away from natural gas towards distributing hydrogen and a massive investment in Carbon Capture and Storage.
HPF has a new Chairman and new officers
The HPF announces changes at the top.
BEIS replaces DECC
The responsibilities of DECC and BIS have been merged into BEIS. The new Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is headed up by Greg Clark, with Nick Hurd confirmed as "Minister with responsibility for climate change". Let's hope he is given enough power to be in a position to be responsible for halting climate change.
See an attempt to illustrate the new responsibilities of BEIS.
All Hands Off DECC
Statement from Greg Clark following his appointment as the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 14 July 2016. I am thrilled to have been appointed to lead this new department charged with delivering a comprehensive industrial strategy, leading government's relationship with business, furthering our world-class science base, delivering affordable, clean energy and tackling climate change.
Professor Sir David MacKay
Members will be very sorry to hear of the death of Sir David MacKay on 14 April 2015 at the age of 48.
His book Sustainable Energy - without the hot air did a great deal
to explain the need for sustainable heating and his analysis was profound. Amongst his many memorable quotes:
"For forest-dwellers, there's wood. For everyone else, there's heat pumps".
"A useful technology will surely be long-term thermal storage".
"I believe we should leapfrog over gas-powered combined heat and power and go directly for heat pumps."
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 31 May DECC announced a further decrease in RHI for new small biomass commercial installations to 3.26p from 1 July 2016. See Biomass degressions.
Heat Pumps in District Heating
DECC has published Heat Pumps in District Heating, a report which recognises the value of using heat pumps in District Heating in place of gas boilers and gas-based CHP to lower carbon emissions.
Sir David MacKay
David MacKay received a knighthood in the New Years Honours List 2016 "for services to Scientific Advice in Government and Science Outreach". See Sustainable Energy - without the hot air.
Paris Agreement limits Climate Change
On 12 December at the United Nations Conference nearly 200 countries came together in Paris and agreed that carbon emissions should be reduced with the aim of limiting the increase of temperatures to 1.5°C above the temperature of pre-industrial times. See Paris Agreement. This is good news for the world - and will be good news for members of the HPF if DECC takes genuine steps to limit carbon emissions from heating.
Does DECC yet recognise that Ground Source Energy and recycling heat through the ground is the surest route to saving energy and reducing carbon emissions from heating? How will DECC respond to this new challenge?
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 30 November DECC announced a further decrease in RHI for new small biomass commercial installations to 3.76p - and a further fall in domestic RHI tariffs to 5.14p, both from 1 January 2016. See Biomass degressions.
Comprehensive Spending Review
On 25 November the Chancellor confirmed in the Comprehensive Spending Review that funding for the RHI would continue beyond March 2016 up to 2020/21. This follows extensive lobbying by the HPF and a number of its member companies: the future looks more secure.
Importance of Strategic Heat Policy
The HPC, along with other trade associations, has written to Amber Rudd to encourage her support for the RHI ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review: Importance of Strategic Heat Policy.
Ground Source Energy Expo 2015
The Ground Source Energy Expo 2015 held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry was a big success with twice the number of visitors than came to last year's event. Visitors came to learn about developments in the GSHP market, both domestic and commercial. The presentations can be viewed at Ground Source Energy Expo 2015.
Green Deal Funding stops
On 23 July 2015 the new Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Amber Rudd, said: "We are on the side of hardworking families and businesses - which is why we cannot continue to fund the Green Deal. It's now time for the building industry and consumer groups to work with us to make new policy and build a system that works".
RHI Biomass rates fall again
On 28 August DECC announced a further 5% decrease in RHI for new small biomass commercial installations to 4.18p - and a further fall of 10% in domestic RHI tariffs to 6.43p, both from 1 October 2015. See Biomass degressions.
RHI GSHP rates Double
DECC announced dramatic increases in RHI for ground source heat pumps in commercial installations on 4 December 2013. See RHI – Commercial.
Ofgem acknowledged that DECC's announcements of 4 December 2013 will take effect from 28 May 2014.
Reduced rate VAT – Warning – EU Judgement of 4 June 2015
An EU court ruling of 4 June 2015 states that the UK cannot apply reduced rate VAT to the supply and installation of energy savings materials – except in the case of social housing. See: Reduced rate VAT for more information and the likely implications for an increase in the rate of Vat from 5% to 20% for installation of energy saving materials in 2016.
HPF welcomes Domestic RHI Tariffs
The HPF welcomes the DECC Statement of Domestic RHI tariffs. The announcements are summarised on RHI – Domestic and the HPF has issued the following press release: Domestic RHI tariffs paid over seven years.
HPF welcomes increased RHI Tariffs
Simon Lomax, Chairman of the HPC, welcomes the doubling of RHI – Commercial tariffs for smaller GSHP installations and the tripling of tariffs for larger GSHP installations in the following press release: Increased RHI Tariffs for GSHPs.
EST Heat Pump Field Trials – Phase 2
The HPF welcomes the second EST report on heat pumps and the clear recognition that heat pumps will perform well if they are properly installed. The installation itself is critical: please see list of installers who are members of the HPC: Installers of GSHPs.
Based upon the results of its study, the Energy Saving Trust is convinced that heat pumps can play a significant part to help the UK reach its targets for reducing carbon emissions. Heat pumps can provide an effective, efficient solution for heating in many homes.
HPF RHI Conference on 17 July 2013
The HPF ran a lively Summer Conference on 17 July at Manchester College. A mood of optimism suffused the conference following the recent announcements from DECC on the increases in the Commercial RHI tariffs and increases in the Domestic RHI tariffs. At last the Renewable Heat Incentive will enable ground source energy to play its part in saving energy, carbon emissions and cash. You can catch-up with the presentations which can be seen at Summer Conference.
UK's Largest GSHP Retrofit Project
The UK's largest GSHP retrofit project was completed by Kensa to a tight deadline in December 2012. Yarlington Housing Group has 200 Kensa GSHPs installed.
HPF RHI Seminar on 27 March 2013
The HPF organised a conference on the RHI for which Greg Barker sent a recorded message of support for ground source heat pumps.
HPF calls for correction of RHI tariffs
The HPF has renewed its call for DECC to conclude its deliberations on a revised Renewable Heat Incentive commercial tariff without further delay. See press release of 4 March 2013.
HPF responds to Select Committee
The HPF has responded to the call for evidence on the RHI from the Commons Select Committee on Energy and Climate Change. See HPF responds to Select Committee
DECC responds to the consultation
DECC responds to the consultation returns on "Renewable Heat Incentive: providing certainty, improving performance" on the non-domestic RHI and at the same time confirms that RHI tariffs for non-domestic RHI are being reviewed and the anticipated changes will be backdated to 21 January 2013.
Solar Roads Systems for cycle tracks
The Dutch are planning to make their cycle lanes ice-free by using ground source energy: warm roads melt ice.
Confirmation on Reduced Rate Vat at 5% for GSHP residential installations
Following correspondence with the HPF after enquiries from one of its members, HMRC confirmed on 4 January 2013 that it is in agreement with the wording on the HPC's page on Reduced Rate Vat.
BGS sharpens its tools
The British Geological Survey has developed an open loop screening tool in conjunction with the Environment Agency to assess whether your postcode is likely to sitting above a suitable aquifer for a large open loop GSHP system. You can find explanations, and the new tool itself, on the GSHP page of the BGS website.
BGS contributes to ThermoMap
The British Geological Survey is the UK member of the EC co-funded ThermoMap project which focuses on the mapping of very shallow geothermal energy potentials in Europe.
See the latest ThermoMap Newsletter which leads you to ThermoMap where you can see what they know about the potential for heat collection from horizontal collectors in the soil in your area.
The ThermoMap does not aim to inform about the geology of your area for the purposes of drilling a borehole for ground source energy. However, you can go directly to BGS for this information.
Price of gas soars
On 8 June 2011 Scottish Power announced a 19% increase in the price of gas from 1 August.
On 8 July 2011 British Gas, owned by Centrica, announced it is putting up its domestic gas prices by 18% and electricity prices by 16% from 18 August. This follows a 7% increase in both gas and electricity in December 2010.
On 21 July 2011 Scottish & Southern announced a 18% increase in the price of gas from 14 September, on top of a 9% increase in gas in December 2010.
As this is attributable to increases in the wholesale price of gas, increases from other suppliers seem inevitable. With inflation running at 4.5%, why is this occurring? What is the background?
- World demand for gas increased by 7.4% last year - the largest annual increase ever.
- An increasing world population, enjoying increasing wealth, is demanding more gas.
- Gas is used for heating, industrial purposes, and generating electricity at power stations.
- The nuclear meltdown at Fukushima following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on 10 March 2011 has raised safety questions over generating electricity from nuclear plants.
- Since Fukushima, Germany and Switzerland have announced that they will phase out their nuclear power stations. Electric power generation using gas is the obvious alternative.
- Italy, in a referendum on 12 June 2011, has overwhelmingly rejected generating electricity with nuclear power.
- Britain's new generation of nuclear power stations are likely to be delayed in the wake of the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima.
- The retail price of gas has risen 233% since 2004.
- The price of gas in the UK has historicaly been low because of the supply from the North Sea and a well developed distribution system of piped gas to nearly all houses in urban areas.
What will happen to the price of gas in future?
The price of gas has risen in the past, is rising now and is likely to continue rising in the future. The increase in world population will put increasing pressure of demand on gas - and other natural resources. The price of electricity tends to rise in line with the cost of gas.
What is the alternative to using gas for heating?
A heat pump provides gas-free heating.
Grid Carbon Factors fall steeply
Grid Carbon Intensity has fallen by half since 2014 and BEIS projects continuing falls into the future:
Groundwater Source Heat Pumps
CIBSE has launched a Code of Practice on Groundwater Source Heat Pumps in conjunction with the Heat Pump Association and the GSHPA. The Training & Standards Committee of the GSHPA has made a major input to the document.
Start of a Green Revolution
Claire Perry announces the Start of a Green Revolution
UK Housing: fit for the future?
The Climate Change Committee has published its report UK Housing: fit for the future? The CCC concludes that government needs to take urgent actions to decarbonise the heating of the UK housing stock.
Heat Networks Investment Project
Triple Point Heat Networks is now ready to accept applications for the £320m Heat Networks Investment Project for both public sector and private sector grants for new or extended district heating networks in February 2019 on behalf of BEIS.
Four Hottest Years on Record
The last four years have been the four Hottest Years on Record. What are we going to do about it?
Heat Pumps and DSM Seminar
The GSHPA seminar on Heat Pumps and Electricity Demand on 7 November attracted interest from 80 delegates. The presentations are available at Heat Pump DSM Seminar.
Heat Roadmap Europe
The European Heat Pump Association has been involved in the Heat Roadmap Europe project which provides a wealth of statistics on heating and cooling systems across European countries.
Blog thoughts
Jonathan Marshall of the ECIU Energy Analyst wonders if government should be subsidising coal fired electric generation.
Large Heat Pumps in Europe
The European Heat Pump Association is proud to present its new publication on Large Heat Pumps in Europe, which includes examples of 16 projects showing how heat pumps can be efficient and effective in large projects.
It is interesting that none of the examples is in the UK. However, one of the GSHPA's members has provided ammonia based heat pumps to one of the largest examples shown.
Ofgem's Insights - Decarbonisation of Heat
Ofgem has just published its insights into The Decarbonisation of Heat, including the need to focus on "electrification of heating through heat pumps".
10% of UK electricity is used for Cooling
The BRE Study on energy use by Air Conditioning reports that 10% of UK Electricity use is for Air Conditioning and Cooling. However, there is a much better way to provide Renewable Cooling.
Heat Pumps and DSM Seminar
The GSHPA seminar on Heat Pumps and Electricity Demand on 7 November attracted interest from 80 delegates. The presentations are available at Heat Pump DSM Seminar.
GSHPA finalist in the HVR Awards
The GSHPA is a finalist in the HVR Awards for the Sustainable Product of the Year with its Realtime CO2 Calculator for ground source heat pumps. The award ceremony is on 25 October at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel, London.
Heat Networks Investment Project
BEIS will be ready to accept applications for its £320m Heat Networks Investment Project for both public sector and private sector grants for new or extended district heating networks in Autumn 2018.
Grid Carbon Factors fall steeply
Grid Carbon Intensity has fallen by half since 2014 and BEIS projects continuing falls into the future:
Heat Roadmap Europe
The European Heat Pump Association has been involved in the Heat Roadmap Europe project which provides a wealth of statistics on heating and cooling systems across European countries.
Blog thoughts
Jonathan Marshall of the ECIU Energy Analyst wonders if government should be subsidising coal fired electric generation.
Large Heat Pumps in Europe
The European Heat Pump Association is proud to present its new publication on Large Heat Pumps in Europe, which includes examples of 16 projects showing how heat pumps can be efficient and effective in large projects.
It is interesting that none of the examples is in the UK. However, one of the HPC's members has provided ammonia based heat pumps to one of the largest examples shown.
Ground Source Heating & Cooling Guide
The HPF Ground Source Heating & Cooling Guide was launched at Ground Source Energy Expo 2017. The original version, written in collaboration with the HPC, was first published in 2011 by the Environment Agency to provide information, advice and guidance to prospective users of ground source energy, their consultants and contractors. The guide, which has been significantly updated by the HPC, focuses on good practice rather than regulatory requirements.
For your free member copy, please contact info@HPF.org.uk
Ofgem's Insights - Decarbonisation of Heat
Ofgem has just published its insights into The Decarbonisation of Heat, including the need to focus on "electrification of heating through heat pumps".
10% of UK electricity is used for Cooling
The BRE Study on energy use by Air Conditioning reports that 10% of UK Electricity use is for Air Conditioning and Cooling. However, there is a much better way to provide Renewable Cooling.
Threat to BGS data provision
Following a threat to the funding of the British Geological Survey, the HPF sent a questionnaire to its members seeking views of the value of the services at BGS. The results of the HPF questionnaire show that nearly all of the members who responded use BGS services regularly and value it highly.
Zero Carbon Homes applies in London
Zero Carbon Homes rules apply in London from 1 October 2016. See Zero Carbon Homes - London.
Domestic RHI Biomass rates fall 20%
DECC announced a 20% decrease in RHI for new biomass domestic installations from 10.98p to 8.93 from 1 April 2015. This follows on from the 10% decrease from 12.2 to 10.98p in the previous quarter. See Biomass degressions.
Domestic RHI Biomass rates fall 20% again
DECC announced a further 20% decrease in RHI for new biomass domestic installations from 8.93 to 7.14p from 1 July 2015. See Biomass degressions.
Amber Rudd opens Heat Conference
Amber Rudd MP opened the Heat Conference saying, "We want people to have permanently warmer homes, lower fuel bills and to be reducing their emissions. Renewable heat technologies can deliver all three." She said: "Moving from heat buried deep underground, to the latent heat available in rivers, canals, lakes and the seas that surround us. I'm pleased to announce today a package of actions to drive the deployment of large scale water source heat pumps." See Heat Conference speech.
EHPA writes to David Cameron
23 September 2014
See letter from European Heat Pump Association and others to David Cameron and Ed Davey on the urgency of changing strategy for the implementation of Renewable Heating and Renewable Cooling to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels. See: EHPA writes to David Cameron.
DECC publishes Evaluation of non-domestic RHI - 29 August 2014
DECC has published an "independent" evaluation of the non-domestic RHI which concludes that the RHI is stimulating investments in renewables, that installation and operation of renewable has been positive and that biomass boilers have been installed in a wide range of sectors. See interim report on RHI Evaluation.
DECC publishes Water Source Heat Map - 11 August 2014
Ed Davey of DECC has published a "high level water source heat map" of 40 urban rivers in England with the highest potential for water source heat pump use for both renewable heating and renewable cooling. The map identifies areas of high heat demand beside rivers with sufficiently high flow rates.
DECC's vision for decarbonisation of heating involves a number of low carbon technologies. Its modelling shows there is a particularly important role for heat pumps and for heat networks.
DECC is particularly interested in deploying water source heat pumps as part of heat networks projects, where heat pumps provide low carbon and renewable heating to a number of different buildings through district heating networks and heating sharing networks.
See DECC's water source heat map.
Open water heat pump systems work by recovering solar energy stored naturally in river water. Water is abstracted after passing through a filtration process and then passes through high-efficiency heat pumps to harvest the low grade heat in the water before being returned to the river with a temperature change of no more than 3°C.
The Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, has described the development as "game changing" in relation to Britain's need for renewable energy against the backdrop of insecurity in Russia, which supplies much of Europe's gas, and the political row at home over soaring fuel bills.
Andy Davey of DECC came to listen as well as to speak: he was concerned to find if there were barriers to the take-up of ground source energy and if DECC or Ofgem could do more to encourage the adoption of ground source energy which was way behind what DECC had envisaged. This led to a lively exchange of views and a number of proposals from the HPC.
MCS Guidance on domestic renewable heating threshholds
MCS has published guidance on how to apply the revised thresholds for MCS installations. These apply for installations since 16 December 2013. Although only individual heating appliances of up to 45 kWth can gain MCS certification, MCS certified installers can design, install and certify systems with a heat demand of up to 70 kWth by using more than one certified appliance. An MCS installer who can demonstrate competency may also install multiple MCS installations of up to 70 kWth within a given property: and it may not be necessary for these multiple areas to be hydraulically separated.
Ofgem opens for Domestic RHI
On 9 April 2014 Ofgem opened its servers for Domestic RHI applications. Six years after the Energy Act 2008, it is possible to make an application to Ofgem to receive RHI for domestic applications to support the costs of renewable energy technologies installed since 15 July 2009. See RHI Domestic. Owners of domestic properties installing ground source heat pumps can now receive rewarding financial returns as well as a green heating system.
Ed Davey promotes heat pumps
See article in the Independent on Sunday published on 23 March: Ed Davey on Heat Pumps.
RHI rates expected to double
Following the meeting with HPF Coucil members in December, DECC issued its Announcement on 21 January 2013.
DECC has confirmed that "evidence suggests there may be differences between actual costs and load factors of installations and the original assumptions used to calculate the current tariffs" clearly indicating that the early assumptions needed revisiting.
The HPF evidence submitted supports an increase of tariff rates to 9.4p/kWh.
The DECC announcement goes on to confirm that, "It is DECC's intention that where tariffs increase as a result of this work, installations accredited from today (21 January 2013) would benefit from that increase once the new tariffs come into force".
See RHI GSHP rates expected to double
DECC £6m scheme for social housing
DECC announces a £6m scheme for social housing.
Unfortunately the RHI is failing badly on all these counts - indeed the RHI is currently operating to frustrate these objectives.
The tariff levels for large GSHP installations are currently less than half the rate for biomass boilers and the calculations include major errors in the calculations that supress the GSHP tariffs.
The Minister encouraged officials to accelerate the review of the GSHP tariffs and is expecting to announce that changes in tariffs will to be corrected with an announcement from the Minister in the second week of January.
Ofgem accredits GSHC installations
Although the commercial RHI began on 28 November 2011, it has taken over a year for Ofgem to commernce accreditation for Ground Source Heating and Cooling ("GSHC") installations.
After many months of HPF lobbying of DECC and Ofgem, Ofgem wrote to the HPC and other stakeholders on 5 December 2012 to say that owners of GSHC systems will be entitled to receive RHI, but at a discounted rate. Owners of systems up to 100kW rated capacity will receive RHI at 72.3% of the RHI rate for ground source heat pumps. Owners of systems over 100kW rated capacity will receive RHI at 64.73% of the RHI rate for ground source heat pumps.
For more see Ofgem starts accrediting GSHC.
EGEC calls for action
The European Geothermal Energy Council has called for an EU action plan on renewable heating and cooling in order to assess the major bottlenecks hindering the further development of ground source energy in Europe: EGEC Press Release.
The EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger says that "geothermal will play an important role in the future energy mix of the EU" and that "we should encourage geothermal development in more and more cities".
Philippe Dumas, Manager at the European Geothermal Energy Council, pointed out that "policy-makers, local authorities and utilities need to be more aware of the full range of geothermal resources available and of their possible applications".
Vertical Borehole Standard
The HPC's Vertical Borehole Standard which covers the design, installation and testing of closed-loop vertical boreholes was published in September 2011. The HPC's Thermal Pile Standard was published in September 2012.
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