04/10/2021 – Logic4training, Luton: On Monday 4th October 2021, representatives from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) visited fellow LCL Awards centre, Logic4training in Luton, to learn as much as they could about some of the practical issues that need to be resolved in order for the large scale roll out of heat pumps across the UK to be achieved.
GTEC’s MD, Griff Thomas, was asked to prepare and deliver a presentation on how to meet the government’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.
Drawing on 20 years of ‘on the ground’ experience across the renewable technology sector, Griff discussed the challenges and some of the potential solutions to decarbonising domestic heat.
From ‘why should we’ to ‘why wouldn’t we?’
In his presentation to BEIS delegates, Griff looked at how housing and expectations have evolved because of historical ‘rapid transition plans’ in British homes, including gas central heating, fitted kitchens and even inside WC’s! – all of which are considered basic requirements by modern standards – arguing that the same principles could be applied to the electrification of heat.
“Build it and they will come”
Griff provided a detailed analysis of some of the challenges of heat pump installation and how they can be remedied to get the UK on track for its 2028 installation target.
During their visit, BEIS delegates took a tour of Logic4training’s centre and viewed some of the specialist heat pump training bays and took part in some practical ‘hands on’ experience of the systems in action.
There is a distinct lack of capacity in the training sector – out of 53 registered providers, only 10 are ‘turnkey ready’ to deliver RQF qualifications and actively deliver renewables training.
In his presentation, Griff said that other training providers would come on board if they believed there was a long-term demand.
He explained that incentives were required for both plumbing qualifications, to attract new entrants to the sector, and specific heat pump training for new and existing candidates.
Crucially, Griff stated the urgent need for long-term irrevocable plans and legislation, which would provide manufacturers, training providers and installers with the certainty to fully invest in the sector, recommending a 10-15 year minimum for any framework built.