Heat networks, also known as district heating, supply low carbon or renewable heat from a centralised source to multiple buildings. Heat networks are a well-tried and tested technology that is now being widely deployed on public buildings to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy costs and make financial savings.
The Greater South East Net Zero Hub supports public sector organisations and their stakeholders to develop heat network projects.
We do this by providing free advice and support for all stages of project development. This includes the exploration of the opportunities and risks of your project idea, consideration of the technical issues relating to its development, production of a business case, and identification of options for financing.
We are used to working with public sector organisations where there is a lack of staff skills and/or capacity. If you need help, please contact us info@gsenetzerohub.org.uk
Our regional case study platform includes a number of heat network case studies that may be of interest.
Many local authorities have developed heat networks for social housing through the use of ground source heat pumps. These projects have used a shared loop of underground pipes connected to either a large-scale centralised heat pump system or individual heat pumps within each dwelling. Examples include a 12-storey apartment block in a London Borough, homes and community buildings in a rural village and local authority sheltered housing.
Bunhill Phase 2 is a clean heat network that uses waste heat emissions from the London Underground network. The system supplies low carbon heat and hot water to homes, leisure centres and commercial premises. Of course not everyone has a underground rail network in their local area that they can use as the energy source for a heat network! However, local authorities in the Greater South East region are also exploring the use of other more commonly found sources of heat such as that from waste water. Get in touch with us if you would like to know more info@gsenetzerohub.org.uk
The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) is a capital and revenue grant fund that supports improvements to existing district heating or communal heating projects. The scheme is open to public, private and third sector applicants in England and Wales. It is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and administered by Gemserv. The scheme is running multiple funding rounds.
To receive scheme updates, contact hnes@gemserv.com.
The three-year £288 million Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) is a significant government initiative that provides capital grants for the development of new and existing low and zero-carbon heat networks.
The Fund provides support to organisations in the public, private and third sectors in England. There will be a series of quarterly application rounds until the scheme closes in 2025. The Fund is managed by Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management.
The Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) is a government programme that provides grant funding and guidance to local authorities for the early stages of heat network project development. Registered social landlords, property developers, universities, and NHS trusts can also apply.
Financial support from HNDU can be applied for via regular funding rounds. Funding Round 13 is open until midday, 31 December 2023. Details of Funding Round 13 are HERE. Costs eligible for funding are externally commissioned consultancy costs for heat network development work. The funding is targeted at the early stages of heat network projects, such as heat mapping, energy master planning, technical and economic feasibility and detailed project development. Funding Round 13 is open until midday, 31 December 2023
Other support provided by HNDU comprises a range of technical, commercial, and legal guidance. This is provided through the HNDU webpages and at in-person events. The Unit has also established an online information-sharing site, which allows local authorities to exchange learning.
