The government’s announcement that gas boilers are to be banned in new homes from 2025 has been heralded as a major change in the hot water storage market as the government aims to end fossil fuel heating systems and attempt to reduce carbon emissions and lower fuel bills.

The government is pushing house builders to incorporate wet electric boiler systems such as our ELECTRAflow solution, which is 100% efficient and can meet the heating and hot water needs of any new build, as well as incorporating additional fuel sources.

One of the core benefits of the electric wet heating system, is the cylinder can be positioned almost anywhere in the house as there is no flue requirement. Immersions heaters can also be positioned to take advantage of available tariffs and to suit household requirements.

Incorporation an ELECTRAflow Thermal Store, will most likely deliver the most effective solution under the proposed legislation. Not only can this system use electricity as its main energy source but can also incorporate multiple renewable fuel sources, such as Solar PV and/or Solar Thermal, Solid Fuel etc.

The thermal store approach can be designed to incorporate the central heating in the home and as it requires virtually zero maintenance, is a much easier and cost-effective system to maintain than a standard Unvented cylinder and electric boiler.

What Does it Mean for You?

As the legislation is only applying to the new build market, the short-term impact on the hot water industry, including architects, specifiers and installers, should be relatively small.

However, further training and a greater understanding on the full range of pros and cons of electric hot water and heating solutions, will be absolutely essential in the longer term.

Industry Reaction

As you would expect, the reaction has been mixed with the Heat Pump Association welcoming the report as it is likely to increase demand for heat pumps in new homes.

However, the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) takes an alternative view, highlighting the fact that the UK has one of the most advanced and efficient gas networks in the world and is urging the government not to rule out other options.

The IGEM also claim there is research which shows that 90% of consumers can’t or won’t be prepared to pay for alternative low-carbon heating systems.

Former Government Minister Mike Foster, who now works for The Energy and Utilities Alliance, was a bit more forceful in his views, commenting, “The authors of this report are living on another planet when they should be giving realistic options on how to save this one. Banning gas boilers is a stupid thing to do. We need to change the type of gas to a low carbon version, such as biomethane or hydrogen.”

Whatever the outcome, storage of some sort has a vital part to play. Energy storage in water, is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective options and with the flexibility of manufacture that McDonald Water Storage has, we are well placed to ensure a product most suited for any eventuality.