New Technologies
New technologies can provide a solution to fuel poverty where conventional energy efficiency improvements are inadequate or impracticable. They can provide heat and power more cheaply through greater efficiencies or through cheaper fuels. They are particularly relevant for:
- solid-walled and
- non-traditional construction properties, and
- houses that are not connected to the mains gas network and
- those who have to rely on more expensive fuels.
NEA believes that the synergies between affordable warmth and sustainable energy are very strong. Whilst the political motivation for implementing micro-generation technology is chiefly driven by the climate change agenda and carbon saving targets, it is also clear that these technologies can reduce household fuel bills. Such technologies may include:
- high-efficiency boiler technologies,
- air-source heat pumps,
- ground-source heat pumps,
- solar thermal (hot water),
- micro-wind,
- photovoltaics,
- fuel cells,
- micro-CHP (combined heat and power),
- biomass heating,
- micro-hydro and
- heat recovery ventilation systems.
What this means for individual households
The UK Government has statutory requirements
- to remove vulnerable householders from fuel poverty by 2010 and
- to remove all householders from fuel poverty by 2016.
NEA is currently focusing upon utilising these technologies as single household solutions to providing affordable warmth. Whilst recognising that community based solutions have a role to play, the structure of existing grant programmes has inevitably meant a concentration on stand-alone technologies in individual properties.
For more information on microgeneration projects and community buildings click "here"
For more information on technical solutions for the fuel poor click "here"
For more information on what works for the fuel poor click "here"