In this

12 News focus

We round up of some of the latest initiatives and plans to position hydrogen as a serious contender in the UK’s race to net zero

The

27 Focus: heat pumps

Are you getting on board the heat pump train? Momentum is building behind the technology in the UK’s homes; The importance of quality installation; Ignore them at your peril; Driving a low-carbon future from Baxi, Continal, Navien and Spirotech 19

Being inspector in Northern Ireland is a wide-ranging role that takes in everything from inspection to supporting HSENI to working with environmental health officers, says Chris White-Overton

Inside this issue, we’re delving deeper into the world of heat pumps. Considering the magazine’s title, you might wonder why one of our focus topics is a heating technology that has nothing to do with gas.

It’s because it’s becoming clearer that heat pumps are not going to just go away. The number of installers who are qualified now to fit them is a fraction of where it needs to be to achieve the government’s hugely – many would say overly – ambitious target of 600,000 installations a year in just five years’ time.

So, on top of stumping up for the existing Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for homeowners and extending its longevity, the government is starting to address the skills gap by raiding the Treasury’s piggy bank for cash for a Heat Training Grant. Those of you who want to become qualified to fit heat pumps will be able to get £500 off the cost and many organisations are adding their own additional discounts and offers too.

Our major reader survey earlier this year showed that 7 in 10 gas engineers are considering training to work with the technology this year, which means that it’s a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in your world. We will continue to make sure you have the essential gas safety information you need to work safely and legally in your customers’ homes – and we’ll also make sure that you have the knowledge you might need as your work changes.

Nicki Shearer, editor

Gas Safe Register, PO Box 631, DARLINGTON, DL1 9GD

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Editor: Nicki Shearer editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

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Technical consultants: Carl Banister, Stephen Gallagher, Jonathan Palmer, Rob Walkerdine

Production: Mark Turpin

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Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register. 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ