01 October 2024
|
The Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM), Conference, and Charity Dinner on Friday, 27 September at the prestigious Warwick University.
The event, which attracted over 100 attendees to both the conference and the charity dinner, was hailed as a great success, with exceptional facilities and a high level of engagement from all participants.
The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of heat decarbonisation and sustainable energy practices. Tara Deshpande, Deputy Director of Heat Electrification and Product Efficiency at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), delivered the keynote address. She outlined the government’s ambitious plans for scaling up heat pump deployment across the UK, stressing the importance of achieving the nation's heat decarbonisation goals.
The conference agenda covered a wide array of topics aimed at revolutionising the heat sector:
- Dr. Ángeles Rivero Pacho & Dr. Roger Moss from LoT-Net shared insights into transforming traditional heat networks into low-temperature, net-zero systems, using the University of Warwick’s own network modernisation as a key case study.
- Joanne Eynon from the Coal Authority discussed innovative ways to repurpose abandoned coal mines for low-carbon heating and cooling solutions.
- Nicholas Thurston from the Environment Agency spoke about the regulatory incentives that are boosting heat decarbonisation, focusing on the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
- Sean Masters from Brand Clear delivered a lively presentation on business differentiation in competitive markets, providing branding strategies to "STAND THE F*** OUT."
- Mike Spence & David Boon from the British Geological Survey delved into the potential of aquifer thermal energy storage as a solution for decarbonising heating and cooling.
In the afternoon sessions:
- Dr. Jan Rosenow from the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) offered a comparative analysis of the heat pump market, addressing whether the UK is on the cusp of a breakthrough.
- John Ciovacco from the New York Geothermal Energy Organization highlighted the promise of networked geothermal systems in the US as alternatives to natural gas.
- Ed Sherriff from the Welsh Government outlined key heat decarbonisation policies in Wales, emphasising their contribution to the country’s net-zero goals.
- Nathan Gambling, host of the Renewable Energy Podcast, challenged the heating industry to rethink and improve its training methods based on scientific research.
The evening concluded with a spectacular James Bond-themed Charity Dinner, where attendees were dressed to impress. The event was filled with entertainment, including a disco, fun casino, laser shooting range, silent auction, and other games. Hosted by Colin Manford, the night successfully raised over £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Reflecting on the event's success, Stephen Bielby, GSHPA Operations Manager, who organised the event with support from his team, remarked: "Every year, the AGM and conference grow bigger, and we're thrilled to see more people joining us. It's a testament to the growing interest in heat decarbonisation and the work we're doing at GSHPA. We're also proud to raise money for a different charity each year, and this time we were able to support the Alzheimer’s Society—a cause close to many of us."
The GSHPA extends its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, attendees, and supporters for making this event a memorable and impactful gathering. The Association looks forward to continuing its mission to promote sustainable heat solutions across the UK and beyond.
www.gshp.org.uk
