The way we heat our homes is undergoing a profound transformation. As the world takes decisive steps away from fossil fuels, we are on the brink of bidding farewell to our trusty gas fires and boilers, with plans to transition to electric heating systems in our homes.

This shift not only marks a significant change in our daily lives but is also a critical component of the global effort to combat climate change.

For many, the idea of parting with the familiar warmth of a gas fire is a major shift. Human history is intertwined with the comfort and camaraderie of gathering around a campfire. However, the urgency of addressing climate change necessitates such transitions.

In just a dozen years, it’s likely that you won’t be able to purchase a gas boiler anymore, as the UK government aims to ban sales of new gas boilers from 2035. The reason behind this ambitious goal is clear: heating our homes currently accounts for as much as 16% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, contributing significantly to global warming.

The frontrunner in the race to replace conventional boilers is undoubtedly the heat pump. Their extraordinary efficiency sets them apart, as they can convert one unit of energy into approximately three units of heat, making them a compelling choice. While heat pumps are costlier than gas boilers, their efficiency makes them a worthwhile investment.

However, adopting heat pumps is not without its challenges. Heat pumps generate hot water at lower temperatures than gas boilers, necessitating the use of larger radiators to distribute heat effectively. Additionally, well-insulated homes with double glazing can maximize heat retention, but improving insulation can be costly.

Typically, purchasing and installing a heat pump can cost around £10,000. Furthermore, the cost of electricity, which powers heat pumps, is typically three times higher than gas on a unit-to-unit basis, essentially offsetting the efficiency gains. To help homeowners with this transition, grants of up to £5,000 are available in England and Wales, while Scotland offers more generous support with grants of up to £7,500. Northern Ireland also provides assistance for those on lower incomes.

Critics argue that the existing support is insufficient, given the government’s target of 600,000 new heat pump installations annually by 2028. The current rate of adoption is far below this goal, with only 60,000 heat pumps installed in the UK last year. At this pace, it would take over 400 years to equip every British home with a heat pump. Moreover, fewer than 12,000 grants have been claimed, partly because they cover only the pump’s cost, not the installation.

Another major challenge is the shortage of trained heat pump installers. The UK currently has approximately 4,000 such professionals, but estimates suggest we will need 33,000 by 2028.

While there are other electric heating systems available, such as immersion boilers, electric fires, fan heaters, and infrared radiators, none match the efficiency of heat pumps.

An alternative solution considered is hydrogen-powered boilers, which closely resemble conventional gas boilers but burn hydrogen instead of natural gas. However, hydrogen production presents its own set of challenges, primarily related to sourcing and environmental concerns. The readily available hydrogen is primarily locked in our oceans.

While producing hydrogen via electrolysis (using electricity) is the cleanest method, it may be more efficient to use that electricity to power heat pumps. Using natural gas to produce hydrogen requires addressing the resulting carbon dioxide emissions, which is expensive and untested at scale. Additionally, hydrogen boilers have faced public resistance, as demonstrated by a recently canceled trial scheme in Ellesmere Port.

Regardless of the chosen heating solutions, one thing is certain: we will need a substantial increase in electricity production, and it must be generated sustainably. The National Grid currently requires 60GW of electricity at peak times. By 2050, this demand is projected to double to at least 120GW. Currently, about 40% of the UK’s electricity is generated by burning gas, which will need to be phased out.

To achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the government has set an ambitious target: to decarbonise the entire electricity supply by 2035. While offshore wind has made significant strides, onshore wind and solar power are considered the cheapest sources of renewable energy. This will require changes to planning rules that currently hinder the approval process, often due to concerns about visual impact and effects on wildlife.

The government also advocates for expanding nuclear power, despite its high costs and lengthy construction timelines. Existing nuclear plants are nearing the end of their operational lives, with new plants like Hinkley Point C in Somerset facing budget overruns and delays. Another proposed plant in Suffolk, adjacent to Sizewell B, has encountered planning challenges.

The transition to sustainable heating and electricity generation also necessitates a substantial and expensive upgrade to the electricity grid.