Renewables Update: Plumbing & Heating Industry | Late 2026

It has been a bit of a while since my last update.  Since the last post I have been supporting a number of businesses to “Go Green” and transition to renewables.    It has been an eye-opening process.   One thing I have found is that I am always being asked questions from installers and customers who want to learn more about the opportunities renewables can bring.  Therefore, I felt it would be helpful to return to the “Renewables Info Centre” to share the latest on the industry, and to answer some of the questions that I am often asked. 

So here we are.

The question I have most frequently been asked as of late, is:  What is the latest on renewables for the plumbing and heating industry in late 2026?   This questions covers a lot of ground, from new technologies for greener heating solutions to the available financial support for customers, to the training available for installers.   Having spoken with many in the industry this is very difficult to keep an eye over; it seems complicated and unclear and often customers and installers have shared that it gets very politicised, which muddies the water.   In this post I hope to be able to answer and bring some clarity to these questions.

1. What's new in renewable heating technologies? (for customers / installers)

The renewable heating market continues to develop, with improvements in equipment, controls and system integration creating new opportunities for plumbing and heating professionals. Here's a look below at some of the key areas worth exploring.

Air source heat pumps remain one of the most important technologies in the renewable / green technology industries.   The way that they work is by extracting heat from the outside and transfers it into a property’s heating and hot water systems.    For plumbing and heating companies, this opens up new opportunities for heat pump installations, radiator upgrades, heating system modifications, as well as servicing and maintenance.

Other technologies that are worth learning more about include ground source heat pumps, smart heating controls, solar PV and thermal energy storage.  An area which we are seeing more frequently is what is called integrated energy systems where all of these are combined to form much more effective green renewable energy. 

All of these new technological advancements and the use of integrated energy systems have created opportunities for installers to work alongside other trades and renewable specialists.

2. What financial support is available? (for customers and installers)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is still the best provider of financial support for eligible renewable heating installations in England and Wales.   Eligible installations can receive grants of £7,500 towards air source and ground source heat pumps (eligibility requirements apply, and installations must meet the scheme's conditions).

Tip for customers and installers:  I would advise you to learn and understand more about this scheme.  It can really help when discussing renewable heating options with installers / customers.  Eligible installations generally require an certified installer to apply for the grant on behalf of the customer (this is what we do at DGII for instance).

You can find out more through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) | Ofgem

3. What training and support are available? (for installers)

Existing installers already have very valuable skills which provides a foundation for working with renewable technologies. 

New update since previous post:  On the 4^th July 2023 the Heat Training Grant was started.  This can help eligible heating professionals in England access approved heat pump training, with grants of up to £500 subject to the scheme's requirements.  Tip for installers:  Have a look into this as this may be an option for you. 

Tip for installers:  Installers can also gain experience working with established renewable installers and gaining experience through subcontracting or developing partnerships.   This should be done before investing in your own renewable installation service. Certification requirements are important to understand, particularly for businesses wishing to access government-funded installation schemes.

Further information is available through GOV.UK's heat pump training guidance.

4. Where are the business opportunities? (for installers)

Renewables don't necessarily mean a plumbing and heating business must immediately become a specialist heat pump installer.

Opportunities may include:

·         Upgrading radiators, pipework and hot water cylinders.

·         Installing compatible heating controls.

·         Working with established renewable energy installers.

·         Exploring maintenance and aftercare services.

·         Developing relationships with builders, electricians and other complementary trades.

For smaller businesses, building partnerships can be a practical way to explore the market and identify opportunities that complement existing skills.

Tip for installers:  In my experience working with renewable businesses, the most important starting point is to learn about the industry, the technologies, the available training (the Heat Training Grant, and gaining experience with established installers / companies), and then developing relationships as per above before jumping in too deep. 

So, this leads on well to the final question, where to start?

Whether you're a homeowner considering greener heating or a plumbing and heating business looking to expand into renewables, knowing where to start is key.

For customers:  Start by researching the options available for your property.  Consider whether a heat pump or another renewable technology could meet your heating and hot water requirements.  Check whether financial support is available through schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and speak to an appropriately qualified installer about your property's suitability and potential costs.

For installers:  Start by exploring the technologies, training and qualifications relevant to your business.  Investigate available support through the Heat Training Grant, understand the certification requirements, and consider building relationships with established renewable energy installers to explore potential opportunities.

Useful starting points include the official Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance for customers and installers, and the Heat Training Grant guidance for heating professionals.

The transition towards greener heating presents opportunities for everyone, and taking the time to understand the options available is a good first step.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them below or contact me directly through the Contact Us section.

I hope you have found this resource helpful.   If we are to move towards a renewable future, this is something that we, as an industry, installers and customers, need to do together.  I believe that openness and supporting one another by sharing knowledge are key ingredients in making the transition to a greener, more renewable future a success.

With thanks,  Ollie on behalf of DGI Installations Ltd