Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to encourage people living in rural areas to use wood pellets for fuel in their homes.

The government expects most off-gas grid and rural properties will ultimately transition to heat pumps as these are a proven technology which have been installed in high numbers in other countries. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, grants are available for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps is £7,500, and £5,000 is available for biomass boilers.

The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including rural off-gas grid households, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating.

Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.