Will domestic consumers take up the renewable heat incentive? An analysis of the barriers to heat pump adoption using agent-based modelling

摘要: Abstract The UK Government introduced the tariff-based domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in April 2014 to encourage installation of renewable heat technologies as a key component its carbon reduction policy. Of these, pumps are considered be most promising for widespread adoption and such subject this paper. Pilot studies prior introduction policy identified non-financial barriers uptake, “hassle factor” involved, initial figures indeed indicate that uptake is lower than expected. We analyse these using an agent-based model conclude there tipping point beyond which likely fall very sharply. suggest RHI’s complex stringent compliance requirements home inspections emitter performance may well have driven past further intervention required if aims RHI achieved.