Despite growing at an annual rate of 11 percent since 2009, recently released findings suggest that renewable heat generation must rise to 18 percent if the Government is to achieve its previous targets.

The research was undertaken by PwC, Innovas and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and showed that current growth rates fall well short of previously-set targets. It was found that to realise the 12% renewable heat milestone by 2020 further growth is needed, primarily from heat pumps and biomass. 

PwC worked out that from 2010 to 2013 there was just shy of £30 billion invested in renewable energy generation but only £1.4 billion of the total figure was spent on renewable heat prior to 2012.

PwC head of renewable energy Ronan O’Regan, said: “With recent historical investment dominated by renewable electricity, investment in renewable heat has been modest in comparison and this market requires a rapid scale up in investment levels if we are to achieve our overall 2020 renewable energy targets.”

However, REA chief executive Nina Skorupska was more positive about the progress, arguing that: “The Government’s renewable electricity policies have incentivised nearly £28bn of private investment since 2010, achieving annual growth rates of over 20%. The world’s first Renewable Heat Incentive is also beginning to spur positive growth in green heating. This is a tremendous success story.”

Consultancy company AA Projects often comments on topical industry research, views and news. A spokesman for the successful businesses said: “While the government are currently a little behind on the targets that have been set, and admittedly there is more that could be done to push development further along, the progress that has been made so far is substantial. We can only agree with others in saying that the figures we’re seeing at the moment are impressive, particularly when you compare the UK data to that of other European countries. ”

AA Projects continued: “The UK is in somewhat of a privileged position in that there is widespread support for boosting fuel, heat and electricity with renewable energy. For example, a government survey published last month showed that a staggering 80 percent of Britons supported utilising renewable energies.

“Working in the industry we’ve also seen our fair share of support for greener technology. We offer a substantial selection of energy & sustainability services, from low carbon technologies to capital finance and funding, many of which have been in very high demand over the last couple of years. If you need help going green we can help.”

Visit the AA Projects website at www.aaprojects.co.uk to read in detail about the renewable energy solutions that they provide.

For quotes contact Niall Wright on: 0161 973 7410 or Niallwright@aaprojects.co.uk.