The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has been urged not to miss the opportunity to recognise gas absorption heat pumps (GAHPs) within the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) when the scheme is formally reviewed later this year.
Geoff Hobbs, business development director at Bosch Commercial and Industrial Heating, argues that GAHP technology offers non-domestic investors the ‘best of both worlds’ when it comes to efficient use of the UK’s gas infrastructure – a strength that could prove invaluable for years to come.
Geoff said:
“With the forthcoming review of the RHI, our government has the perfect opportunity to give gas absorption heat pumps the recognition they deserve as one of the most effective and efficient ways to utilise natural gas, not to mention LPG for those businesses located off the gas grid.
“Given the extensive nature of the UK’s gas network, a measured approach to the integration of renewable technologies was always needed. GAHPs could prove invaluable by providing an alternative means of delivering renewable heat without compromising our existing gas infrastructure.
“By using gas or LPG as the primary energy source directly at the point of use, rather than electricity which is generated largely in coal or gas power stations, GAHPs have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than comparative technologies, which is great news for both the new build and refurbishment sector.
“What we need to do now is ensure the industry’s consultants, contractors, and specifiers have access to the technology, training, and support packages to reap the benefits of what is without doubt a technology yet to fulfil its full potential in the UK.”