In the quest to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the UK faces a monumental task: eliminating gas use in homes. This challenge is akin to the massive market transformation that occurred between 1965 and 1977, when the country shifted from ‘town gas’—manufactured from coal—to natural gas. Aaron Gillich, a researcher at the Net Zero Building Centre within the School of Engineering and Design at London South Bank University, has delved into this historical transition to extract lessons for today’s net zero ambitions.
Gillich’s research, published in the journal Buildings & Cities (which translates to “Buildings & Cities” in English), highlights the striking parallels between the past gas conversion and the current net zero retrofit strategy. “Nearly all the actions taken during the gas conversion have counterpart activities that must be carried out for net zero,” Gillich explains. However, he notes that the transition to net zero is currently more fragmented, with unclear objectives and no single process owner.
The gas conversion of the mid-20th century was a well-coordinated effort, driven by clear objectives and active policy responses. The Gas Council’s annual reports from that era reveal a structured approach to programme design, marketing, workforce engagement, financial incentives, and data evaluation. Gillich argues that a similar framework is crucial for the net zero transition.
One of the key findings of Gillich’s research is the need for a clear value proposition. “The gas conversion had a compelling value proposition: cleaner air and more reliable energy,” he says. “For net zero, we need to articulate a similarly compelling case, focusing on the benefits to homeowners, such as reduced energy bills and improved comfort.”
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. A well-coordinated net zero retrofit strategy could open up new markets for low-carbon heating technologies, create jobs, and drive innovation. However, the current fragmentation of the sector poses a barrier to these opportunities. Gillich’s research calls for a more coordinated approach, with clear objectives and a single process owner to drive the transition.
The political economy of energy is also a crucial factor. The gas conversion was driven by a combination of technological, economic, and political factors. Similarly, the net zero transition will require a holistic approach that considers the interplay between these factors. Gillich’s research provides a valuable blueprint for policymakers and researchers seeking to navigate this complex landscape.
In the end, the shift from gas use in homes is not just a technical challenge, but a market transformation problem. By learning from the past, the UK can chart a course towards a net zero future, creating new opportunities for the energy sector and improving the lives of millions of homeowners. As Gillich’s research shows, the lessons of history can light the way forward.