Infrared panels are gaining popularity not only for their efficiency and effectiveness but also for their environmental benefits. If you're considering infrared heating for your home or business, you might be wondering about their ecological impact compared to traditional heating systems. Let’s explore why infrared panels are considered a greener choice and their contribution to a sustainable future.
Infrared Heating: Impact on The Environment
Infrared panels operate by emitting infrared radiation that directly heats objects and surfaces, rather than warming the air. This method of heating is more efficient because it avoids the energy losses associated with heating and circulating air, as seen in traditional convection heaters. By using less energy to achieve the same level of comfort, infrared panels help reduce overall electricity consumption in your home or workplace which translates to lower CO2 emissions.
As the UK continues its journey towards a net-zero carbon future, adopting electric heating technologies becomes crucial. By choosing infrared panels, you not only enhance energy efficiency and comfort but also play a part in protecting the planet for future generations. As electricity generation in the UK increasingly shifts towards renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, the carbon footprint associated with using electricity for heating continues to decrease, this is evidenced by the UK Carbon Intensity API.
UK Carbon Intensity API:
The UK government tracks and reports the carbon intensity of electricity generation through the Carbon Intensity API. This API provides real-time data on the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of electricity consumed. Renewable and low carbon energy sources currently contribute to around 50% of the UK’s electricity generation. As the UK progresses towards its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, using electric heating solutions like infrared panels becomes increasingly beneficial to the environment. Last week, approximately 70% of the UK's electricity came from renewable and low carbon energy sources. This means that most of the electricity powering our infrared heating panels is derived from green sources.
Clean power generation is front-and-centre of the UK’s strategy to reach net zero by 2050, with the government setting energy providers a target for all electricity to come from 100% zero-carbon generation by 2035. Zero-carbon power sources in Britain’s electricity mix outperformed traditional fossil fuel generation in 2023 by providing 51% of the electricity used, compared to 32% from gas and 1% from coal and the UK looks on track to continue to increase renewable generation. Plans are already in action to increase offshore wind’s output to 50GW by 2030 – helped by a £200 million government cash injection and financial incentives. Meanwhile, solar capacity could grow to roughly 70GW in the same period. Combine renewables with other low-carbon electricity sources, such as nuclear (14.2% in 2023), and it indicates that our green infrastructure is heading in the right direction to be capable of reaching the government’s 2035 target; and ultimately reaching net zero in the specified time frames.
UK Transition from Gas to Electric Heating:
With the phasedown of natural gas for heating purposes, electric heating technologies like infrared panels offer a sustainable alternative. They align with the UK's long-term strategy to decarbonise the heating sector, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and promote cleaner energy solutions. According to the committee on climate change, heating is responsible for almost a third of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. Infrared heating panels are also compatible with solar power as they run on electricity, combining the two systems would achieve a completely self sustainable heating system.
With the UK's electricity increasingly sourced from renewable resources, as we touched on earlier in the blog, the environmental impact of electric heating methods is significantly reduced. Infrared heating, in particular, offers a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient alternative to traditional heating systems. By adopting infrared heating panels, we not only contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions but also benefit from a modern, energy-efficient solution tailored for the future. At Infrared Group, we are committed to our collective goal of a greener and more sustainable world.
Final Thoughts
As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's crucial to consider the environmental benefits of infrared heating. With the government's legislation banning gas boiler systems in new homes from 2025, the need for efficient, low-carbon alternatives has never been more pressing. Infrared heating offers an excellent solution, combining cost-effectiveness with reliable, eco-friendly performance. Embracing infrared heating technology stands as a pivotal step towards a sustainable future.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.