In Stream 1, phase 1 of the programme - solutions for high-density heat pump deployment – City Science will lead on the development of feasibility studies for innovative solutions and methodologies for the optimised deployment of domestic heat pumps at high-density.
A key solution for decarbonising heat in homes, heat pumps will be critical in meeting the UK’s legally binding commitment to achieve net zero by 2050. The Heat Pump Ready Programme forms part of BEIS’ £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative clean energy technologies and processes through the 2020s and 2030s.
In Cambridgeshire, City Science will be working in rural environments with Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council, Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), Growth Guides and Lendology. In Oxfordshire, City Science will be working in more urban environments with project partners Oxfordshire County Council, National Energy Foundation, Trust Power, Growth Guides and Lendology.
The final reports will detail methodologies for targeting high-density heat pump deployment in the given locations, and a mapping of expected customer journeys (complete with costs estimates) on the switch from their incumbent heating technologies to heat pumps.
City Science CEO Laurence Oakes-Ash commented on the appointments:
“Heating in domestic buildings is a major source of carbon emissions and one where we are currently not seeing a decline. To have any chance of reaching the UK’s commitment of Net Zero by 2050, an uptake in heat pumps is essential because they typically reduce carbon emissions from heating by 80%. However, we know there are considerable barriers to their adoption by homeowners. With the HPR project, we will be looking to help the government make the transition to net zero affordable and achievable for all, by reducing costs to consumers and minimising barriers to uptake.”