| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:EU to ban new petrol/car sales from 2035. | |
| Posted by: | Raymond Havelock | |
| Date/Time: | 10/06/22 09:17:00 |
| Was at a site meeting last month with some gas engineers and the discussion on heat pumps was on the list of issues. Factoring these into new builds is relatively easy. But. So far, the efficient life of heat pumps is short, so removal and reinstallation will also have to be factored in. Problem is construction parameters are so small that the space allowance and future proofing is currently completely unknown. Retrofitting most UK housing stock though, is another issue. Hugely costly with many properties simply without the space or access to install safely or effectively, plus much of the pipework may have to be completely replaced. That's huge costs to householders and a huge use in raw materials. Nullifying any environmental gain. The sums don't add up with the short life of the units and the running installation costs. It may be more efficient but the costs per household will be as high if not higher than existing means. The general consensus was that the wrong solutions are being pedalled to suit timetables and short term policies. The existing Gas distribution network could be converted to Hydrogen in a similar way to Coal Gas being converted to Natural Gas. It would be a mammoth operation but the engineers believe that safety apparatus and conversions would be a better option in the very long term. And the infrastructure is in place. However the stampede to sell of Gas Works and infrastructure sites for development may have damaged feasibility as safety infrastructure and storage had been significantly reduced with natural gas. The problem being the fragmented energy industry and the need for a state run overseer ( which was the case with North Sea Gas) The debacle with Smart meters and demise of single high uniform standards shows that what could be achieved then is unlikely now. Similarly, with the Mayor of London's approved schemes for solar panels. Go through the application and far too many households found they do not qualify do not qualify. Many because of the positions of the roof and this the limited efficiency. But not factored in is roof maintenance which could mean deinstallation and reinstallation costs. Again, the relatively short efficiency life of the units means the outlay return is way too long and could be wiped out if a roof needs attention. The whole scheme, like the vehicle scrappage scheme,and insulation schemes are so flawed, its really a scam. A lot of Taxpayers money has been pocketed and nothing said. If authorities cannot get this right and genuinely beneficial and effective then it is highly unlikely anyone else will. They simply dismiss the problem issues and don't have the brains and tenacity to challenge and solve the issues. It is a challenge but PR and political rhetoric over pragmatism wins and keeps on winning over and stuffing up solutions. Lying and misleading is not just restricted to our Governments, it's become the norm in almost everything. To the point that find the truth about anything is a real effort. |