Our new study published in the journal, Energy Policy, shows how a key low-carbon technology is distributed very unevenly across the UK despite a decade of adoption subsidies. Led by Theo Arvanitopoulos and involving iDODDLE PI, Charlie Wilson, the study uses spatial methods to analyse the dynamics of heat pump deployment. We show how early-adopting local areas benefit from a combination of more readily accessible properties, low-carbon energy skills, and local supply chains. We also find robust evidence of spatial spillover or ‘contagion’ effects: for every three heat pumps installed, one heat pump is subsequently installed in a neighbouring local area with less beneficial conditions. This poses an interesting policy trade-off for decarbonising heat: maximise effectiveness by incentivising early adopters, or widen equality of access by supporting later adopters?
Access the full paper here.
