Feeling the heat: understanding stakeholders’ perceptions of residential-sector heating decarbonisation options in the UK

Abstract

The reliance on natural gas for residential sector heating in the United Kingdom (UK) presently accounts for around a fifth of national greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out this reliance is considered important as the UK's ‘Net-Zero’ ambitions. Alternatives to a reliance on natural gas, include the use of hydrogen boilers and electrification using heat pump technologies. The acceptance of these technologies among different societal actors (including publics) will play a significant role in which are backed, available, and used. The aim of this study was to consider the perceptions of key stakeholders in the UK residential heat decarbonisation sector about: (a) policies pertaining to this sector; (b) the factors likely to shape public acceptance of hydrogen and heat-pump technologies; and (c) the prospect of repurposing the gas pipeline network to support heat decarbonisation. Interviews were held with 12 stakeholders from the UK's residential heating sector. Interviews were supported using bespoke ‘flash cards’ to convey core details about each of the options under consideration. Interview principally considered the relative strengths and drawbacks of hydrogen versus ‘standard’ heat pump options, with discussions centring on four primary themes: Relative risks and benefits; Public choice and control over residential heating options; Engaging with the public throughout the energy transition; and Envisioning future energy transition scenarios for residential home heating. The findings confirm that the factors and actors feeding into the relative ‘acceptability’ of each option are manifold, and that the ‘acceptance’ of each option is tied to factors, such as: (a) the consistency of policy signals from government; (b) the relative affordability of the technology; and (c) both the physical infrastructure and social aspects of the local development context. The concept of repurposing the gas pipeline network was considered to be a good idea in principle, although enthusiasm was heavily caveated with reference to the practicalities of achieving this goal.