A recent report has found that heat networks powered by energy from waste (EfW) could significantly assist the UK in achieving its net zero emissions targets.
Currently, these networks account for less than 3% of the UK’s heat demand, which is notably lower than levels seen in other European countries.
The report, produced by NERA and commissioned by the Environmental Services Association and Resource Recovery UK, indicates that the UK Government aims to increase the share of heat networks to around 20% by 2050.
However, achieving this target will require urgent policy and regulatory changes to encourage investment.
The report suggests that EfW-powered heat networks could lead to substantial savings for households, potentially reducing costs by up to £22,000 over a 25-year period compared to traditional heating systems.
This approach is viewed as a means to lower carbon dioxide emissions by reducing reliance on gas heating, which could improve air quality.
Additionally, the findings highlight that the transition to EfW-powered heat could benefit both densely populated urban areas and rural regions, while also decreasing the UK’s dependence on imported gas.
The report emphasises the need for swift action from the UK Government and energy regulators to implement supportive policies that ensure a reliable supply of heat from EfW plants.
Moreover, the report calls for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders involved in the production and distribution of EfW heat to unlock the full potential of these networks.
