May 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for heat and heat networks in Wales.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine key issues for implementation of the finalised Heat strategy for Wales, and the Welsh Government’s wider plans for the transition to low carbon and sustainable heating as part of net zero emissions targets.
Delegates discussed what will be needed to develop an enabling framework for sustainable and efficient heat networks, capable of supplying both industry and domestic properties.
Areas for discussion included options for heat pumps and strategies for decarbonising heating, including repurposing and expanding existing infrastructure, strengthening distribution networks, the development and uptake of innovative technologies, and establishing local, community-based energy plans.
The agenda looked at energy efficiency in homes, including approaches for improving the energy performance of the Welsh housing stock and delivery of energy-saving solutions.
Delegates considered issues for consumers following the launch of the Welsh Government’s replacement of its Warm Homes Nest scheme this month, assessing policy options for securing affordable heat and tackling fuel poverty.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Rhiannon Phillips, Head of Domestic Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty, Welsh Government; Ed Sheriff, Deputy Director for Energy, Welsh Government; Richard Halsey, Innovation Director, Catapult Energy Systems; Mike Pitts, Deputy Challenge Director, Net Zero Heat, Innovate UK; and Anna Lawson, Principal Energy Consultant, City Science.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- Heat Strategy for Wales:
- progress on targets outlined in the draft strategy - focus on consumer protection - utilisation and development of local, community-based energy plans
- what will be needed to achieve the aim of net zero heat across all sectors in Wales by 2050
- implementation: assessing investment, infrastructure and connectivity needs - putting in place enablers for the decarbonisation of heat - grid development
- just transition:
- energy costs and implications for consumers and suppliers - options for policy to support key stakeholders in achieving a just transition to low carbon heating
- support for businesses to transition to sustainable energy sources, low carbon heat solutions and net zero building
- key challenges: the transition from fossil fuels - reducing energy demand - developing place-based approaches - renewing housing stock - replacing outdated equipment - priorities for innovation
- decarbonising homes: housing standards across private, rented and social housing sectors - innovation in renewable heat technology - future-proofing with low carbon and cleaner fuels
- supply chain: identifying and addressing supply chain challenges - attracting investment
- addressing fuel poverty: the new Warm Homes Programme - further options for reducing the percentage of fuel poor households across Wales
- skills: establishing a local, skilled workforce to implement and maintain low-carbon heat technologies - training and recruitment opportunities to meet the skills needs of the sector
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Welsh Government; DESNZ; NIC; UKIB; DBT; and the Department of Finance, NI.
