Heat Batteries Poised to Transform UK Home Heating and Accelerate Decarbonisation
Millions of UK homes could successfully transition to low-carbon electric heating while reducing strain on the power grid through innovative heat battery technology, helping the UK meet its Net Zero targets by 2050. This is the key finding of the groundbreaking Neat Heat trial, led by UK Power Networks in partnership with OVO and tepeo.
The 18-month Neat Heat trial involved installing tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB), which utilizes heat battery technology, in homes across the Southeast and East of England. Results showed that these all-electric, low-carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuel boilers can provide significant grid flexibility by shifting up to 95% of peak energy demand for heating to off-peak periods. Even during the coldest winter months, homes could be effectively heated while achieving substantial carbon savings, cutting approximately 15,600 kgCO2e compared to using gas boilers.
The trial leveraged the thermal storage capacity of the ZEB, allowing homes to “charge” their heating systems during less expensive, off-peak hours and release heat on demand. At its launch, the trial saw over 2,000 expressions of interest, reflecting strong demand from UK homeowners for alternatives to fossil fuel-based heating systems.
OVO’s innovative ‘type of use’ pricing model was central to the trial, offering customers a cheaper rate for charging their ZEBs during off-peak hours. This dynamic pricing made it easy for participants to optimize their heating while also benefiting the grid. The trial demonstrated that 95% of heating demand could be shifted away from peak hours, even during the coldest weeks, without any noticeable change in home heating performance. Participants experienced the same level of comfort as with a traditional boiler, but powered entirely by electricity.
Green solutions like the ZEB could play a crucial role in decarbonizing UK home heating, especially for the 20%+ of homes where space constraints make technologies like heat pumps difficult to install. The trial also showed the ease of installation, with minimal disruption and an average setup time of just one to two days. All trial participants opted to continue using their ZEB systems rather than returning to fossil fuel boilers.
Luca Grella, Head of Innovation at UK Power Networks, emphasized the significance of moving electricity demand away from peak hours, stating, “Shifting demand reduces the need for costly upgrades to support future green technologies, which would otherwise be paid for by customers across the country. This trial paves the way for further low-carbon solutions.”
Johan du Plessis, CEO of tepeo, added, “Neat Heat’s success demonstrates the potential for heat batteries to play a critical role in the UK’s transition to Net Zero. By working with dynamic tariffs, millions of homes currently unable to adopt low-carbon heating solutions can join the green transition.”
Grainne Regan, Head of Heat at OVO, remarked, “Decoupling electricity consumption from heating is key to decarbonizing home heating. This trial marks a significant step towards our goal of a fully decarbonized UK energy grid by 2035, making it easier for customers to access energy that’s better for their wallets, homes, and the planet.”