A new report has revealed that over the course of the next ten years, the South West of the UK could see a 700% increase in renewable heat capacity.
Compiled by independent renewable energy expert Regen SW, the ‘Renewable Heat Opportunities in the South West’ report highlights that there are currently 4,000 renewable heat installations in the south west. But by 2020 there could be more than 140,000, with 1,000 industrial installations, 8,800 in the commercial and public sectors, and 136,000 in domestic premises, according to the report.
Over the last few years, Regen’s programmes have led to a strong increase in the amount of renewable heat being produced in the south west. They are working closely, particularly with the public sector, to grow the market for renewable heating and to ensure there are enough skilled engineers and technicians to meet the growing demand.
“We expect to see many more businesses like care homes and hotels switch to biomass boilers, and larger companies like food producers and dairies switch to either biomass or anaerobic digestion,” said Stephen Green, bio-heat programme manager for Regen SW.
“We also expect a booming domestic market, as 20% of households in the south west are off the mains gas network,” he added.
