This Policy Forum for Wales conference will discuss next steps for heat and heat networks in Wales.
It will focus on key priorities for the transition to low carbon and sustainable heating solutions in the context of wider net zero emissions targets, looking at priorities for implementing the new Heat strategy for Wales, expected in March following the publication of the draft strategy last year.
The conference will be an opportunity to bring stakeholders together with policymakers to examine key issues for developing an enabling framework for sustainable and efficient heat networks, including next steps for stakeholders in delivery of energy-saving approaches, including options for heat pumps and strategies for decarbonising heating.
It will also be an opportunity to discuss the way forward for the homes heat network, with the Welsh Government launching a replacement for its Warm Homes Nest scheme in April. Discussion will consider approaches for ensuring energy and heat efficiency within Waless housing stock, as well as grid and network development, and tackling supply chain challenges.
Further sessions will assess key skills priorities for making progress on targets outlined in the draft strategy, ensuring a focus on consumer protection, and utilisation and development of local, community-based energy plans.
The Policy Forum for Wales are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Ed Sheriff, Deputy Director for Energy, Welsh Government; and Mike Pitts, Deputy Challenge Director, Net Zero Heat, Innovate UK.
Overall, areas for discussion include:
- Heat Strategy for Wales: the path to net zero heat in Wales by 2050 across all sectors – empowering businesses to transition to sustainable energy sources, low carbon heat solutions, and net zero building
- Skills: establishing a local skilled workforce to implement and maintain low carbon heat technologies – retraining and recruitment opportunities to meet the skills needs of the sector
- Supply chain: addressing supply chain challenges and attracting inward investment
- Barriers to success: phasing out fossil fuel consumption – developing placed-based approaches – assessing solutions to Waless ageing housing stock – phasing out boiler use and enabling innovation
- Decarbonising homes: assessing housing standards across private, rented and social housing sectors – innovation in renewable heat technology – future proofing with low carbon and cleaner sources heating
- Addressing fuel poverty: mechanisms for tackling fuel poverty and reducing the percentage of fuel poor households across Wales – assessing the new Warm Homes Programme
- Network and infrastructure: identifying and meeting investment, infrastructure and connectivity needs to ensure networks can enable the decarbonisation of heat
- Just transition: energy costs and domestic economic growth – implications for consumers and suppliers – options for policy and support for key stakeholders in ensuring a just transition to low carbon heating
This Policy Forum for Wales keynote seminar will be taking place online on Friday, 26th April 2024 at 9am until 1pm, for further information, the full agenda and to book your place visit the event page here – https://www.policyforumforwales.co.uk/conference/PFW-Heat-Strategy-24
