The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has recommended a complete phase-out of new gas boilers within the next decade as part of the country's broader efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The advisory group, which informs government policy on climate strategy, has called for decisive action in transitioning homes and businesses away from gas-based heating systems. The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, hydrogen boilers, and other low-carbon alternatives.
Currently, gas boilers heat around 85% of UK homes, making domestic heating a major source of carbon emissions. The committee has warned that without urgent policy shifts, the UK risks missing its legally binding emissions reduction targets.
However, the proposed changes have sparked debate. Energy experts warn that replacing gas boilers with greener alternatives requires significant infrastructure upgrades and financial incentives. The cost of heat pumps, for instance, remains prohibitive for many households, despite government subsidies.
Industry groups have also pushed back, citing concerns over energy affordability and consumer readiness. Some policymakers have suggested a more gradual transition, with greater emphasis on hybrid systems that blend gas and electric heating technologies.
The UK government has yet to confirm whether it will formally adopt the CCC’s recommendation. Still, with climate policies under increasing scrutiny ahead of future elections, the fate of gas boilers is set to be a key topic in the nation’s ongoing energy debate.
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