大象传媒

How we heat our homes is set to radically change as the government phases out gas boilers. But can changing the technology we use every day help us reduce greenhouse gases and stop climate change? 大象传媒 climate editor Justin Rowlatt, presenter Michelle Ackerley and environment scientist Dr Tara Shine investigate if it鈥檚 possible to heat our homes by replacing oil and gas boilers with new green alternatives, whether the country is ready to build an entirely low-carbon electricity network, and if we can do it all before the government鈥檚 net zero target of 2050.

Justin heads to Salford to explore a futuristic house used to test new home heating technologies in extreme conditions. From minus 12 degrees to the comfort of central heating, he gets to grips with heat pumps, a technology the government is betting on. In the loft, Justin clambers around to see how well our homes need to be insulated.

Michelle gets an insight into how heat pumps are installed and what it means for a family in Reading. She questions the installation costs and if the government grant is enough to help families transition from gas boilers to heat pumps. With a government target of 2035 for all the UK鈥檚 electricity to be generated from renewable and low carbon sources, Michelle meets a community centre near Bristol who have built the UK鈥檚 largest wind turbine. Then, she heads underground to find out how the electricity grid needs transforming to deliver enough power for the UK鈥檚 homes and businesses.

Tara meets the gas company promoting hydrogen as a solution to home heating, and visits residents in Whitby in Ellesmere Port, who were going to be part of a hydrogen trial but have big concerns about costs and safety. She investigates how oil companies are planning to produce hydrogen and if it鈥檚 a feasible option. Tara explores cracks in the core of Heysham Nuclear Power station in Lancashire to understand what it means for the lifespan of the plant, visits Hinkley Point C to understand the complexities of building new nuclear power stations, and asks if technology from nuclear submarines could be a solution.