ACR Journal

CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk HEAT PUMPS 35 LG welcomes Green Homes Grant update LG has welcomed confirmation that the Green Homes Grant can be used alongside the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (DRHI). The Government has advised that the grant can be used in conjunction with DRHI as an upfront payment to provide an immediate oset for the capital cost of a heat pump, rather than having to wait for quarterly payments. Homeowner will first need to apply for a Green Homes Grant and can subsequently also apply for DRHI. The amount of the grant is then taken o the value of the projected DRHI payments. However, this cannot work the other way around. It will not be possible for claimants to apply for DRHI or currently be in receipt of DRHI for a specific installation that constitutes a measure under the Green Homes Grant, and then subsequently apply and receive a grant. As DRHI applies to a specific installation, identifiable via an MCS certificate, a homeowner could choose to have a further renewable heat measure using the Green Homes Grant. For example, they could already have a heat pump attracting DRHI but then under the Green Homes Grant opt for the addition of solar thermal. The solar thermal installation would attract a separate MCS certificate. Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “Although it has added to confusion for our stakeholders, we do welcome this clarification on pairing the incentives as I believe it will stimulate demand from those who need help to find the upfront cost of a renewable heat installation. They can then still benefit from DRHI over the payback period. If you like, this is an upfront payment being made out of their DRHI allowance.” LG Heating Manager Andy Hooper says this announcement will help bring clarity to what has been a slightly confusing picture: “To be honest, the understanding of the introduction of the new Green Homes Grant has been evolving since it was first announced, with clarification beginning to emerge bit by bit. Whilst the latest interpretation isn’t how we might have hoped it would be interpreted, it is a far better outcome than we feared. “At least claiming the grant will not now negate the ability to claimDRHI at all. This gives us a better chance to step up the sales of domestic air to water heat pumps across the UK in conjunction with other renewable heating or cooling elements of a system installed.” Homeowners need to ensure that both the product and the installer are MCS certified. In addition, to receive the Green Homes Grant, the installer must also be TrustMark registered. The Zero Carbon Home Project and Zero Carbon Heating Trial are funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) through its Energy Innovation Programme. The schemes see a combined Government investment of £5.8m of funding at close to 300 sites across the UK. Mitsubishi Electric is providing its Ultra Quiet Ecodan model, built in Livingston, Scotland, to the projects with OVO as the lead energy supplier. “We are delighted to be taking part in a project of this scale and working with the UK’s leading independent energy supplier”, said Russell Dean, Head of Residential Heating, Mitsubishi Electric. “Domestic heating is one of the biggest areas where our carbon emissions can be cut by making a few simple changes. Combining with the network of OVO we are excited to be helping applicants reduce their carbon emissions to net-zero in this trial.” Ecodan drives OVO Energy roll-out Mitsubishi Electric is supplying its Ecodan air source heat pumps to OVO Energy for two Government schemes designed to develop and showcase technologies that reduce carbon emissions in UK homes and buildings. The two trials form part of increased investment by the UK Government in renewable technology as it looks to reach its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Domestic heating forms the largest single source of carbon emissions, accounting for 15% of the UK’s emissions output. This scheme aims to develop a mass-market smart electric heating product that can replace the use of traditional fossil fuel heating systems. Sustainable solution Jessica Tan, Managing Director, OVO Smart Home, said: “Mitsubishi Electric is a well- established leader and innovator in its sector and their air source heat pumps are no exception. The trials allow us to develop alternatives to gas heating, which is a critical piece to deliver our sustainability vision under our Plan Zero - which commits to halving customers’ carbon footprints by 2030. We are excited to be leading this work with Mitsubishi Electric, to drive the technological solutions which will move us towards zero carbon living in a way that’s sustainable for our customers and the climate.” The Ultra Quiet Ecodan provides renewable heating and hot water production for a wide range of installations. With a sound pressure level of just 45 dB(A), Ultra Quiet Ecodan makes passing Permitted Development requirements much easier. Ultra Quiet Ecodan is available in 8.5kW and 11.2kW sizes. Russell Dean added: “These schemes will help to showcase sustainability in the way homes are heated and hopefully kick-start the domestic home heating revolution that is desperately needed in the UK if we are to achieve our commitment to net-zero.” The Ultra Quiet Ecodan air source heat pump

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