Government Abandons Plan to Ban New Gas Boilers by 2035, Despite Push for Heat Pumps
UK: The Government plans to abandon the proposed ban on new gas boiler replacements from 2035, despite advocating for a widespread transition to heat pumps in the future.
A de facto ban on installing gas boilers in new homes will be officially announced later this year and will take effect before the end of the decade. However, the previously suggested policy to prohibit replacing existing gas boilers with new ones after 2035 will no longer proceed.
Ministers remain committed to encouraging most UK households to adopt heat pumps as part of efforts to phase out fossil fuels from heating systems. Currently, heat pumps—powered by electricity—are used in just 1% of homes and are significantly more expensive than gas boilers.
To drive adoption, the Government has pledged to enhance incentives, including extending a US$9400 subsidy to help homeowners afford heat pumps when replacing their existing boilers.
The Conservatives had promised a total ban on all new gas boilers from 2035. Rishi Sunak said when he was Prime Minister: “We’ll never force anyone to rip out their existing boiler and replace it with a heat pump. You’ll only ever have to make the switch when you’re replacing your boiler anyway, and even then, not until 2035.”
The Government is now preparing to officially abandon the proposed rule. Later this year, ministers will unveil a “Warm Homes Plan,” outlining new strategies for transitioning to low-carbon heating solutions.
The Government has committed to reducing UK carbon emissions by 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Source: Government of UK