Research projects seeks to find ways to increase take up of heat pumps as part of drive to tackle climate change
Working in partnership with Power Circle, a Scottish social enterprise, The HEAT Project (part of Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust) are exploring options for undertaking a heat pump project in the Blairgowrie area with funding from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
BEIS is seeking new ways to encourage a higher take up of domestic heat pumps – this is the
only Scottish project to get support.
A heat pump is a device that absorbs heat from the air, ground or water around a building and converts it into a form that can be used to heat your house.
A heat pump is a device that absorbs heat from the air, ground or water around a building and converts it into a form that can be used to heat your house.
Heat pumps can produce three to four times as much heat as the electricity needed to run them and are therefore part of the government’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from heating as part of tackling the problem of climate change.
This project is looking specifically at the most cost-effective way to introduce heat pumps for the consumer. To reduce the cost of running the heat pumps the feasibility study is looking at the option of installing heat pumps in combination with roof top solar PV and battery storage. The solar PV and battery will provide electricity to operate the heat pump which will reduce the amount of energy the heat pump needs to draw from the grid.
The overall aim is to develop a model that makes the installation and operation of heat pumps more affordable and therefore available to more people in the community.
Martin Mathers, HEAT Project Manager said, “Our aim is to develop a package for households that really reduces their energy use, tackling climate change and hopefully reducing energy bills – a win-win for consumers and the environment.”
Jon Cape, Managing Director of Power Circle said “If we can get enough households to take up this package, there may be the potential to then link the heat pump and PV/battery systems together into a smart community energy system. This can help householders get even more benefits. “
Over the next few months, the project team will be seeking feedback from the community on the proposals through questionnaires, focus groups and one to one discussions. If you are interested in knowing more and participating in the consultation, please get in touch with Martin on 07834962361, or fill in the form on the ”Contact Us”