Neil Fitzsimons, managing director, Power On, looks at the road to net-zero.
As the UK moves closer to its ambitious net-zero goal by 2050, electrification is fast becoming a central pillar of the country's decarbonisation strategy. From transportation to industry, the transition to electric solutions is essential to reducing carbon footprints and creating a sustainable future. Within the housing sector, this transition is seen in the shift from fossil-fuel-based heating systems to low-carbon, electrified alternatives. However, this transition also presents significant challenges for the UK’s electricity grid, particularly in the context of high-rise residential buildings, multi-unit developments, and urban settings.
Power On provides low-carbon heating solutions that meet the evolving needs of developers, M&E consultants and utility consultants. By utilising technologies like Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHPs), Community Heat Hubs (CHHs), and smart thermostat solutions, the company helps mitigate the challenges of electrification while supporting grid stability and ensuring that developments comply with the latest regulations, including the Part L Building Regulations, the Future Homes Standard, and OFGEM rules, alongside recent legislation like the Building Safety Act 2022.
Electrification’s growing impact on the UK Grid
The electrification of the housing sector is essential for meeting the UK’s net-zero target, but it also places significant pressure on the National Grid. The National Grid’s forecast suggests that electricity demand could double by 2050, largely driven by the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. This increased demand comes as the UK phases out fossil-fuel-based generation in favour of renewables like wind and solar. While these sources are environmentally friendly, they are also variable, requiring careful management of supply and demand to ensure grid stability.
For developers working on high-rise residential buildings or mixed-use developments, this surge in demand for electricity presents challenges in terms of both infrastructure and compliance. Key regulations such as Part L of the Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standard place increasing pressure on developers to meet high energy efficiency and sustainability targets, while OFGEM is also encouraging grid-friendly solutions to manage demand more effectively.
The role of networked ground source heat pumps
One of the most efficient, low-carbon heating solutions for new residential developments is the Networked Ground Source Heat Pump (NGSHP). These systems leverage the earth's natural thermal energy to provide heating and hot water using far less electricity than traditional electric heating systems. NGSHPs offer a sustainable, renewable heat source and are ideally suited for residential developments designed with Part L and the Future Homes Standard in mind, which require a significant reduction in carbon emissions and the use of low-carbon technologies.
For developers, NGSHPs provide a viable solution to the challenge of electrification. They remove the need for gas infrastructure, while their high efficiency and low-carbon operation help meet the regulatory requirements for energy efficiency and carbon reduction. This makes them a key technology in reducing reliance on the grid during peak periods, which is crucial as demand for electricity continues to rise.
Furthermore, integrating smart thermostats with NGSHPs allows residents to better control their energy use, reduce waste, and further enhance system efficiency. The combination of these systems not only supports compliance with Part L and the Future Homes Standard but also aligns with the UK's broader goal of reducing grid strain and ensuring the grid can meet future demands without compromising stability.
Community heat hubs: Centralised heating for urban developments
For larger developments, particularly in urban areas where space is limited, Community Heat Hubs (CHHs) offer an ideal solution. These centralised systems distribute low-carbon heat to multiple units from a single, scalable source, offering developers a cost-effective and efficient way to meet heating demands without placing undue pressure on the grid. This is especially important in high-rise residential buildings, where individual heat pumps may not be practical.
The ability of CHHs to operate flexibly through the use of thermal storage —drawing power during off-peak times and reducing grid strain—makes them an invaluable tool in balancing energy distribution and supporting grid resilience. They are particularly suited for developments requiring compliance with Part L and the Future Homes Standard, offering a centralised approach to meeting energy efficiency and sustainability targets.
From a regulatory perspective, CHHs support developers in meeting both national building regulations and local authority guidelines, which are increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions and energy demand. For utility consultants, the scalability and flexibility of CHHs ensure that energy consumption is managed effectively, providing a reliable source of low-carbon heating that supports community-wide sustainability goals.
Smart thermostat solutions for efficient energy management
At the core of Power On’s low-carbon heating solutions is the integration of smart thermostat technology. These intelligent systems offer users real-time insights into their energy consumption, empowering residents to monitor and adjust their heating systems for maximum efficiency. This smart technology is designed to work seamlessly with both NGSHPs and CHHs, enabling residents to optimise their energy use and reduce waste.
For developers, smart thermostats offer a competitive advantage by future-proofing new homes and making them more attractive to eco-conscious buyers. As the energy landscape evolves, these systems can adapt to integrate with renewable energy sources, support demand-response initiatives, and accommodate future upgrades. By managing energy demand and reducing consumption, these thermostats play a vital role in supporting grid stability and helping the UK achieve its decarbonisation goals.
Navigating key regulations: Part L, the Future Homes Standard, and OFGEM
The UK’s regulatory environment is rapidly evolving to ensure that all new homes meet stringent energy efficiency and carbon reduction standards. The Future Homes Standard, which comes into effect in 2025, requires new homes to achieve a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to current standards. This is a significant step towards meeting the UK's 2050 net-zero target, and it demands the adoption of innovative, low-carbon technologies such as NGSHPs and CHHs.
In addition to the Future Homes Standard, the Part L Building Regulations provide a framework for energy efficiency in new homes, setting out the minimum requirements for heating, insulation, and ventilation. Compliance with these regulations is essential for developers to ensure that new builds meet sustainability targets and qualify for necessary certifications.
Meanwhile, OFGEM, the energy regulator, continues to focus on balancing supply and demand across the grid. As the UK transitions towards electrification, OFGEM is looking at ways to incentivise grid-friendly solutions, such as demand-side response systems, and to ensure that developments do not add unnecessary strain to the national grid.
The Building Safety Act 2022: Enhancing safety and compliance
In addition to energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets, developers must also navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny around building safety. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new measures to ensure the safety of buildings, particularly high-rise developments. This legislation focuses on enhancing fire safety, improving building designs, and ensuring that building systems are fit for purpose.
For developers and consultants, compliance with the Building Safety Act is essential, and it must be considered alongside energy and environmental regulations. As energy systems like heat pumps and community heating hubs become more integrated into buildings, ensuring they meet safety standards is paramount. Power On’s solutions are designed with safety in mind, offering robust, reliable heating options that complement the rigorous standards required by the Building Safety Act.
Commitment to sustainable electrification
By leveraging innovative technologies such as networked ground source heat pumps, community heat hubs, and smart thermostats, the industry can empower developers to create homes that are energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable, and built for the future. Solutions should not only support the decarbonisation of the housing sector but also ensure that new developments remain safe, resilient, and aligned with the UK’s broader energy and regulatory goals.