UK Government Rejects Gas Boiler Ban Despite Climate Pressure for Heat Pumps by 2040
UK: The Government has dismissed recommendations from its independent climate advisers to ban the sale of new gas boilers by 2035. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned that phasing out gas boilers is crucial for meeting the UK’s legally binding net-zero target by 2050. In its seventh carbon budget report, the CCC projected that half of all homes would need to be heated using heat pumps by 2040, up from just 1% in 2023. The committee also urged ministers to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 87% on 1990 levels by 2040, outlining a cost-effective strategy to meet climate goals from 2038 to 2042. However, government sources insisted there would be no imposed ban, emphasizing that alternative heating solutions must become more affordable before such measures could be considered.
The CCC report highlighted that around a third of emissions reductions over this period would depend on household actions, including switching to electric vehicles and replacing gas boilers with heat pumps. It also suggested that reducing meat and dairy consumption, as well as flying less, could play a role in cutting emissions. However, government officials rejected these proposals, stating that policies would focus on energy security, affordability, and job creation rather than dictating personal choices. The final decision on emissions targets for 2038-2042 will be put to a parliamentary vote by the end of June next year.
Source: Inews