Feeling the heat: Understanding stakeholders’ perceptions of residential-sector heating decarbonisation options in the UK

IF 10.1 1区社会学 Q1 SOCIAL ISSUES

Technology in Society Pub Date : 2025-02-22 DOI:10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102849

V. Seymour , B. Cárdenas , A. Urquhart , D.L. Pottie , J. Day , M.M. de Oliveira Júnior , E. Barbour , G. Wilson , S. Garvey , C.R. Jones

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Abstract

The reliance on natural gas for residential sector heating in the United Kingdom (UK) presently accounts for around a fifth of national greenhouse gas emissions. Phasing out this reliance is considered important as the UK's ‘Net-Zero’ ambitions. Alternatives to a reliance on natural gas, include the use of hydrogen boilers and electrification using heat pump technologies. The acceptance of these technologies among different societal actors (including publics) will play a significant role in which are backed, available, and used.

The aim of this study was to consider the perceptions of key stakeholders in the UK residential heat decarbonisation sector about: (a) policies pertaining to this sector; (b) the factors likely to shape public acceptance of hydrogen and heat-pump technologies; and (c) the prospect of repurposing the gas pipeline network to support heat decarbonisation. Interviews were held with 12 stakeholders from the UK's residential heating sector. Interviews were supported using bespoke ‘flash cards’ to convey core details about each of the options under consideration.

Interview principally considered the relative strengths and drawbacks of hydrogen versus ‘standard’ heat pump options, with discussions centring on four primary themes: Relative risks and benefits; Public choice and control over residential heating options; Engaging with the public throughout the energy transition; and Envisioning future energy transition scenarios for residential home heating.

The findings confirm that the factors and actors feeding into the relative ‘acceptability’ of each option are manifold, and that the ‘acceptance’ of each option is tied to factors, such as: (a) the consistency of policy signals from government; (b) the relative affordability of the technology; and (c) both the physical infrastructure and social aspects of the local development context. The concept of repurposing the gas pipeline network was considered to be a good idea in principle, although enthusiasm was heavily caveated with reference to the practicalities of achieving this goal.

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来源期刊

Technology in Society Multiple-

CiteScore

17.90

自引率

14.10%

发文量

316

审稿时长

60 days

期刊介绍： Technology in Society is a global journal dedicated to fostering discourse at the crossroads of technological change and the social, economic, business, and philosophical transformation of our world. The journal aims to provide scholarly contributions that empower decision-makers to thoughtfully and intentionally navigate the decisions shaping this dynamic landscape. A common thread across these fields is the role of technology in society, influencing economic, political, and cultural dynamics. Scholarly work in Technology in Society delves into the social forces shaping technological decisions and the societal choices regarding technology use. This encompasses scholarly and theoretical approaches (history and philosophy of science and technology, technology forecasting, economic growth, and policy, ethics), applied approaches (business innovation, technology management, legal and engineering), and developmental perspectives (technology transfer, technology assessment, and economic development). Detailed information about the journal's aims and scope on specific topics can be found in Technology in Society Briefings, accessible via our Special Issues and Article Collections.