Labour Election Victory. What It Means for the Renewable Energy Industry
July 5, 2024Energy Prices Set to Increase Along With Price Cap
July 23, 2024The Labour government has been in now for two weeks, and in today’s blog we explore the industry’s reaction, and what changes are already being put in place in relation to renewable energy and net zero. As we have discussed previously, a key pledge of the new government is to tackle climate change head on, with extremely ambitious targets proposed. We have previously focused on the solar side of the equation, with the decarbonisation of the grid being a prevalent driving force for Sir Keir Starmer. Today however, we focus primarily on the plumbing and heating side of the renewable sector.
First, let’s take a look at the pledges and changes already being implemented, and the implications these have on the industry. The Prime Minister and party have pledged to set up Great British Energy and a National Wealth Fund to support the decarbonisation of the industry, which is expected to create a multitude of jobs and business for those within the industry. Larger organisations have also had their say on the appointment of the new government, and overall their response is positive and supportive. Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association stated that they would “stand ready to engage, support and collaborate closely to achieve our shared goals of reducing carbon emissions and advancing the widescale deployment of heat pumps in the UK.” The organisation did go on to say however that we need ‘robust’ and ‘clear regulatory changes and policy developments that remove unnecessary barriers to widescale deployment of heat pumps’ and that it would be ‘vital to reduce’ the ‘upfront and running costs’ of the systems. The above factors are key pain points for customers and installers alike, and is one of the main reasons stopping them from making the renewable switch that is essential to meet the governments targets. Heat pumps are a necessity in the ‘transition to low-carbon,’ and therefore it is imperative that the government address these ‘pain points.’ We expect to see these addressed in the coming weeks and months, with a much bigger emphasis being placed correct training, and also the technology itself.
At GRE, we are in support of reaching these goals, and similarly to HPA, urge the government to provide clear guidance and policies, and lead the way for consumers and installers alike. With this spirit in mind, we have introduced even more heat pump training, in collaboration with the Net Zero Hub and the £500 training grant currently being offered. We now offer BPEC’s Level 3 Air Source Heat Pump Systems Course, for just £165 + VAT with the £500 government grant applied. Therefore, giving installers the choice of both air & ground, or just air source heat pump training, both of which cover the design, installation and maintenance of the systems, and can be used to register with MCS. In turn, ensuring candidates are adequately trained and equipped with all the theory based and practical knowledge required to go out and become competent heat pump installers.
You can view all of our heat pump related and F-gas course by clicking here.