I have been contacted by a number of constituents regarding heat pumps.
Protecting our local environment is central to my vision for Broxtowe. I therefore take these matters very seriously and am grateful to have been contacted by residents in Broxtowe with knowledge of the heat pumps sector. I am aware that one of the hardest things to decarbonise is heat and therefore welcome potential solutions such as heat pumps.
The argument for the 45kW cap is that this will target support where upfront costs are a particular barrier in transitioning to low-carbon heat. Typically, these installations are in households or small and medium-size enterprises. But I do recognise concern that many bigger schemes need support too. The consultation expressly seeks views on this very point.
In the recent Budget, the Chancellor announced a £270 million Green Heat Network Fund which will fund large-heat pumps, solar thermal installations and waste-heat recovery in heat networks between 2022 and 2025. I understand that the Government will be consulting later this year on scheme design which will offer the sector to make the case for supporting larger heat pump projects. I am confident that with the right support heat pumps will play a massive role in Britain in decarbonising heat.
While we need target incentives correctly, I agree this is best achieved by consulting with industry and I would encourage experts in Broxtowe to respond to both consultations.
Please be assured that I am also raising this matter with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and I will ensure that ministers are aware of the views expressed to me.
