The Heat Pump Stakeholder Group (HPSG) welcomed the Department for the Economy’s consultation on support for low carbon heating in residential buildings, at their meeting at South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) new Zero Carbon Centre in Holywood on 10 October 2024.

Due to the importance of decarbonising heating and the technical complexity of the subject matter, the HPSG was established by the Department for Economy (DfE) to support its policy development and to engage policy makers as it works to deliver a fair and just transition to a zero-carbon society.

Stephen McGreevy, Lead Business Manager, SERC, said, “SERC is scheduling a range of courses to develop a skilled installer base for the anticipated demand and increased investment in heat pump technology.

“We are delighted to see the consultation come to fruition and encourage everyone to share their views in what is an important step to replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy across Northern Ireland.”

The HSPG comprises predominantly non-governmental representatives from the Northern Ireland heat pump industry and other sectoral representatives, including SERC, who contribute to policy development and delivery by providing data and evidence from its industry knowledge and experience.   The group’s work helps to identify gaps in evidence, critically appraise emerging policy proposals and works collaboratively with the heat policy team to ensure that the ongoing development of heat pump policy is fit for purpose.

You can find the consultation for low carbon heat in the residential sector on the Department for the Economy’s website. The consultation is open until 31 December 2024.

To find out more about more about fully funded green technology courses available at SERC visit serc.ac.uk/skillup #BetterOffAtSERC.