• By 2040, half of UK homes should have heat pumps, and 80% of cars should be electric to meet climate targets.
  • The UK must cut emissions by 87% from 1990 levels by 2040 to stay on track for net zero by 2050.
  • The transition to clean energy technologies will save money in the long term, with the CCC recommending changes to electricity bills to make it more affordable.

CCC recommends heat pumps in every other UK home by 2040 to hit climate goals

The UK must rapidly increase heat pump deployment to meet climate goals, government advisers say. By 2040, half of all homes should have heat pumps, and 80% of cars should be electric. 

These recommendations come from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), an independent body advising the government. The UK has already cut its emissions by more than half since 1990. But to reach its legally binding net zero target by 2050, more action is needed. Currently, the UK government targets 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028.

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, commented:

“We owe it to current generations to seize the opportunities for energy security and lower bills, and we owe it to future generations to tackle the existential climate crisis.” 

A big part of the plan relies on individuals making greener choices. People will need to switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles. Homes will have to move away from gas boilers and install heat pumps instead. Eating less meat and dairy could also help reduce emissions.

The cost of installations has been a major concern. However, the cleaner technology will save money in the long run. By the early 2040s, savings from energy-efficient systems should outweigh the costs.

Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the CCC, stated:

“We are crystal clear in this analysis, in this carbon budget, for the first time we start to see the economy making savings from this investment, and they make savings over and above what we would do if we stay dependent on fossil fuels.” 

To help, the CCC suggests cutting electricity bills by removing policy charges. Instead, these costs could be moved to gas bills or general taxation.

The transition to net zero will be a huge shift. But advisers say it’s possible in our allotted timeframes—and it will save money while protecting the planet.