MP calls for GSHP review after fatal explosion
16th November 2024
UK: Conservative MP Richard Fuller has called for a review of regulations covering the installation of ground-source heat pumps following a fatal explosion last month in Bedford.
The explosion and subsequent fire on October 19 in Cleat Hill, Bedford, led to the death of 85-year-old Paul Swales, and severely injured a family member, Julia Harris, 84, who later died in hospital. 50 households were evacuated and a 100m cordon was established around the site.
The incident has been blamed on the drilling of a 100m deep borehole for a ground source heat pump installation in a resident’s back garden. A gas leak was first reported in July after the drilling contractor, Nicholls Boreholes and Ground Source, struck a pocket of underground gas. The borehole was temporarily capped to control the flow of gas while work was carried out to permanently close it.
On October 19 emergency services were called just after 07.30 to an explosion at the site. A total of four rescue pumps, an aerial platform, a hazmat unit, and an incident command unit were deployed by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue. Appliances and crews from Bedford, Kempston, Harrold, Stopsley, and Leighton Buzzard stations were also called to assist.
Speaking in the House of Commons this week, local MP Richard Fuller requested a meeting with the secretary of state for energy security and net zero.
While recognising that that this was the first such instance of gas being encountered, he said: “Given that ground source heat pumps are expected to play a significant role in decarbonising home heating, will the minister undertake to review the regulations covering the installation of ground source heat pumps, and will she arrange a meeting for me with the relevant minister to discuss these matters further?”
In response, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for energy security and net zero Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “We absolutely need to ensure, as we roll out all low-carbon technology, that standards are at the highest level. I undertake to meet him to understand the specific circumstances and see what we can do in terms of reviewing regulation.”
Matters related to the period between 2 July and 19 October are still under investigation, but the HSE confirmed that the borehole had now been sealed.
