The UK must increase heat pump installations 16-fold and accelerate smart metering to meet its 2030 targets.
That’s according to BEAMA’s latest report, which emphasises the need for increased investment in the UK’s supply chain to meet net zero targets.
The energy trade body’s report reveals a critical mismatch between current supply chain capacity and future demand for low carbon technologies.
The analysis reveals that current heat pump deployment rates are insufficient to achieve the 2030 decarbonisation goals, while the country is 11 years away from a complete smart metering system, crucial for a flexible energy network.
BEAMA highlights that without a significant ramp-up in heat pump uptake and a faster rollout of smart meters, the UK will struggle to meet its net zero objectives.
The report calls for urgent government action to address these gaps and provide clearer investment signals.
The delay in smart meter deployment is also causing manufacturers to reconsider their UK operations, further stressing the need for immediate policy changes and infrastructure improvements.
The analysis indicates that while there is potential for growth in UK manufacturing, investment intentions have declined.
Manufacturers are nearing full capacity, with 91% lacking reserved capacity for future demand.
BEAMA calls for greater visibility of network expenditure beyond 2030 and urges the government to invest in electricity networks and actively monitor deliverability.
Yselkla Farmer, BEAMA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The UK is clearly back in the global race for net zero delivery, and with a series of imminent policies that will accelerate electrification across power, heating and transport there are reasons for optimism.
“However, a gap continues to grow between the projected energy sector investment needed to meet our targets and the current rate of deployment.
“Optimism and confidence are far from where they need to be, and without urgent clarity, UK manufacturing of these vital technologies will struggle to meet future demand.
“The choice is clear, risk becoming reliant on supply chains outside of the UK or capitalise on the huge potential to grow this economic opportunity and build on the current £5 billion of exports we currently maintain.”
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