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University of Oxford – Sustainable Heat Insights for a Fast and Fair Transition to Net Zero

University of Oxford – Sustainable Heat Insights for a Fast and Fair Transition to Net Zero

Dr Phil Grunewald, Research Director, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, stands smiling next to a heat pump on a cold, snowy day

Delivered by the University of Oxford

The objective of this project was to identify adopters of heat pumps and track changes and differences in use patterns before and after installation. This review aimed to address some of the common concerns about heat pumps , such as: 

  • Performance when it’s cold 
  • Retrofit needed to make UK homes heat pump ready  
  • Running costs of heat pumps compared to  gas boilers 
  • Electrified heating leading to  unmanageable peak demands 

This project found that data from early heat pump adopters has a vital role to play in giving households confidence in switching to a heat pump, alongside data from their own smart meters. It recommends the development of an online, publicly accessible, and user-friendly data repository which, alongside the personal accounts of heat pump adopters, would help households better understand the size of pump that is right for their home and the extent of changes they may need to make to their property. The good news is that the data already exists for this kind of system which, if realised, is likely to increase households’ confidence in switching to a heat pump, and could also bring down the costs for many, further encouraging installation. 

Building on this momentum, the University has completed a detailed policy implications report, which will be shared with key political figures, including Parliamentary research services, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and MPs. Additionally, they are transforming this briefing into an article for the Science in Parliament magazine, ensuring their insights reach an even broader audience. 

On the innovation front, the University has launched the Energy Demand Observatory and Laboratory (EDOL), which will gather energy demand data from 2,000 diverse British homes. This rich dataset will provide critical insights into how different homes adapt to heat pump installations. With further funding, the University could create a publicly accessible, user-friendly data repository, empowering homeowners with the confidence to make informed decisions about adopting heat pumps.