The UK Government has broadened the scope of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), allowing financial support for air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries for the first time. This significant policy update has sparked strong responses across the renewable energy and heating sectors.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) introduced a new £2,500 grant for heat battery installations. Additionally, the existing heat pump grant now includes air-to-air systems, expanding consumer options within the low-carbon heating market.
Many industry leaders have welcomed the move, describing it as a landmark step in advancing decarbonisation and promoting energy-efficient technology. The expansion was expected but had faced months of speculation before this official confirmation.
Industry experts called the update a “powerful signal” of the Government’s commitment to low-carbon energy transition, while also urging further reforms in energy pricing.
Officials explained that the revised scheme aims not only to speed up the UK’s decarbonisation efforts but also to increase energy system flexibility and consumer choice. It encourages households to adopt technologies that can both cool interiors during hotter summers and heat them efficiently in winter.
The inclusion of air-to-air systems and heat batteries marks a key shift toward mainstreaming low-carbon home heating. Stakeholders anticipate this will accelerate adoption and stimulate further investment in clean energy technologies.
This update reinforces the UK’s climate goals by broadening support for innovative low-carbon heating systems and signaling serious intent to modernize domestic energy use.