This month, the National Grid has published its Future of Gas Report, an exploration of the role gas could play in creating a low carbon future for the UK.
Following extensive interaction with 150 relevant industry stakeholders, the document asserts that there is currently no credible scenario identified which meets the UK’s Clean Growth targets without gas.
The report goes on to highlight the opportunities available to the UK to become a world leader in decarbonisation, and how gas and the gas networks can play a major role in achieving this, especially in the decarbonisation of heat, transport and industry.
Claire Owen, managing director at Jaga, comments:
“Whilst the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the various scenarios in which gas can support the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy, it presents just one piece of a much wider puzzle.
“The importance of developing and effectively harnessing renewable energy sources, including biogases, in the road to a sustainable future is undeniable. However, a further conversation needs to be held around how these cleaner energies can be used to maximum efficiency. And, in terms of heat provision, a central aspect of this discussion is the heat emitters chosen and the reduction in energy use that choosing the right solution can offer.
“Historically, steel panel radiators have often been specified as the primary heat emitter for both commercial and domestic spaces, with LST panelled versions taking the lead in sensitive environments such as education and healthcare premises.
“But, these are far from the most energy efficient options available today. Low-H2O technology has risen to prominence in recent years, offering an energy-saving alternative which doesn’t compromise on safety or performance.
“These low-mass, low-water content products, use only a tenth of the water and weight of that required by standard steel panel radiators. This means that Low-H2O radiators can respond faster to demand whilst consuming far less energy in the process. A Jaga Low-H2O radiator, for example, requires just 3.2 litres of water – 90 per cent less than an equivalent steel panel radiator.
“With less water being used, Low-H₂O radiators can respond faster than their higher water content counterparts, consequently consuming less energy. Studies conducted by independent testing, inspection and certification body BRE (and more recently verified by Dutch body KIWA) have shown that Jaga’s Low-H2O radiators consume 5-16 per cent less energy than a system with steel panel radiators, as they are able to achieve the desired temperature more rapidly, and less heat is wasted through unnecessary over-heating. By utilising fan assisted DBE (Dynamic Boost Effect) technology, air flow and heat output levels are boosted to easily meet occupants’ temperature needs quickly and efficiently.
“Returning to the topic of renewable energy sources, these units offer specific benefits to the decarbonised heat systems of the future. The reduced water content of Low-H2O technology means that optimum heat can quickly and effectively be achieved, even when working in conjunction with low temperature systems like heat pumps.
“Jaga’s Low-H2O Guardian LST is designed to be the UK’s fastest and easiest to install. Easy to handle, store and install, Guardian is safe to touch, even at high flow temperatures, and makes the perfect partner for the heating systems of the future.
“Whilst The Future of Gas Report undoubtedly breaks new ground in the ongoing effort to achieve a cleaner future for the UK, further questions need to be answered about how we can maximise emerging energy sources. Energy-saving technology is crucial in creating a decarbonised future, especially in the context of heat, and the role of heat emitters should not be overlooked.”
