A new zero-emission smart heating systems is being trialled that could enable millions of small households to reduce their carbon emissions.

Using the heating systems already present in many UK households, tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB) charges up when electricity is cheaper or greener, rather than using carbon intensive solutions such as gas or oil. With a high-density storage core, the ZEB makes the most of off-peak tariffs to charge up overnight, efficiently storing this energy and releasing it whenever the thermostat calls for heat or hot water. Its software will also create a unique heating plan and a charging schedule to enable the most cost-efficient heating for the home.

The roll-out of UK Power Networks’ NeatHeat project is seeing new boiler systems trialled in 30 homes across London, the South East and the East of England offering a low emissions solution for homes which may be unable to install a heat pump.

The OVO Energy customers participating could cut their emissions by 2.5 to 3 tonnes of CO2 a year, during the trial which runs for 12 months.

With installations currently underway, NeatHeat will seek to understand how ZEB interacts with the electricity network. This will allow UK Power Networks to understand its charging pattern and test optimisation mechanisms that will provide flexibility to the local electricity network and use existing infrastructure in a smarter way.

Ian Cameron, director of customer service and innovation at UK Power Networks, said: “This is a new technology with tremendous potential to expand low-carbon heating across the UK. With installations underway, we’re putting it to work on the electricity network, finding out exactly what it can do and how it can benefit customers and the network. It is an important step towards a wider roll-out.”

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