Policy Recommendations for Renewable Heating and Cooling in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This Working Document summarises policy recommendations to improve the policy framework for RES-H/C in the United Kingdom. A policy set has been proposed based on the different elements of the policy analysis that has been conducted throughout this project. The document describes the proposed policy instruments and a strategy how to best implement it in the light of the specific national context. It analysis the interaction of the proposed policy set with the existing policy framework (e.g. for the building sector) and provides a proposal for monitoring and evaluating the policy impact on the development of RES-H/C. The report represents a key output of the RES-H Policy project, an EU FP7 funded research project aiming to assist EU Member States in selecting support options for increased renewable heat. It draws on modelling carried out by the Vienna University of Technology and The Dutch Energy Research Centre (ECN) as well as qualitative assessment by the authors. The body of literature in this field is very narrow, particularly given the much less advanced state of renewable heat policy and the significance of heat in developed countries, where it accounts for 40-50% of national energy use.