A study by the think tank estimates a significant increase in electric heating – up from 10 per cent to a 30-80 per cent market share – and an increase in the share of district heating (up to 40 per cent).
This will replace the use of gas for heating, which is set to lose 75-95 per cent of its current market share.
The report argues for a “nationwide transformation” in the way we heat our homes and buildings and calls on the next government to set heat as a policy priority for the coming decade.
Inquiry co-chair and Conservative member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, Dan Byles, said: “Firstly, there is no one solution to cutting emissions from heating homes and buildings, instead we have a range of options including energy efficiency, gas heating, electric heating and district heating.
“Secondly, now is the time to step up our efforts, prioritise and prepare for transforming the way we heat our homes and buildings.”
However, the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers chief executive Sarb Bajwa, defended the use of gas, saying it “remains popular with consumers” and “has the opportunity to contribute to future energy policy.”
He added: “The UK gas industry has the potential to adapt to the changing environment developing new and innovative ways to reduce its carbon emissions, as it has done in the past.”