IGEM welcomes Green Gas Taskforce report confirming Bio-Hybrids as a cost-effective clean heat solution

IGEM welcomes the publication of new research from the Green Gas Taskforce, developed in partnership with Cadent, which highlights the role of Bio-Hybrid heating systems as a practical and cost-effective route to decarbonising heat in Great Britain.

The report assesses the potential of Bio-Hybrid systems, which combines biomethane fuelled boilers and air source heat pumps. These systems use electricity during milder weather conditions and rely on the boiler during colder periods, for hot water, or when electricity prices or grid constraints make electrification less efficient. Smart controls also allow hybrids to support system flexibility and help manage peak electricity demand.

The new analysis shows that biomethane-powered hybrid systems offer the lowest-cost clean heat pathway for millions of homes, particularly those that are difficult or expensive to fully electrify.

In summary the research concludes:

• Bio-Hybrids are the most cost-effective clean heat solution for between 30% and 45% of GB homes, particularly EPC D–F homes, out to 2050. 
• Bio-Hybrids remove the need to install costly and disruptive building upgrades to improve energy efficiency. 
• Bio-Hybrids offer consumers choice as to how they heat their home.

IGEM particularly welcomes the report’s recognition that Bio-Hybrids can significantly reduce upfront costs and disruption for households by minimising the need for extensive building upgrades. This makes them a more accessible option for lower income households and those living in properties that are not well suited to full electrification.

The report is supported by new polling, which reinforces the importance of consumer choice and affordability in heat decarbonisation policy. The polling shows limited appetite among households for expensive or disruptive energy efficiency upgrades, underlining the need for solutions that work with existing homes and behaviours.

As a long-standing advocate for hybrid heating and the growth of sustainable gases, IGEM supports the report’s call for policy to recognise Bio-Hybrids as a clean heat solution. Pairing hybrid heating with the continued expansion of biomethane supply, which is renewable, reliable and ready, offering a credible pathway to reducing emissions today, while easing pressure on electricity networks and maintaining consumer choice.

IGEM supports the Green Gas Taskforce in helping shape policy that enable practical, affordable and scalable decarbonisation. We look forward to continued engagement with government, industry and other stakeholders to ensure clean heat policy reflects real-world housing, infrastructure and consumer needs.

For more information download the Green Gas Homes Bio-Hybrids: A Clean Heat Solution report and the polling results from the Green Gas Taskforce website.