These initiatives will give a significant boost to the development and upgrade of heat networks, a key technology in reducing carbon emissions and energy costs for homes and businesses.
Shining a spotlight on heat networks
For the first time, heat networks are being placed at the forefront of the decarbonisation conversation. Updated guidance for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme now highlights heat networks as a key solution to consider when preparing applications.
This means more projects will tap into the benefits of heat networks, which efficiently provide low carbon heat to homes and public buildings by using energy from renewable sources.
To help organisations identify the best areas for heat network development, the government has made available maps from 21 towns and cities that took part in the Heat Network Zoning Identification Pilot. These maps will be crucial for future planning, showing where heat networks already exist or are likely to grow.
Future-proofing energy systems
The government’s commitment to heat networks goes beyond immediate connections. New heat network compatibility guidance has been developed to ensure that even when a connection isn’t immediately possible, systems can still be designed to hook into a future network.
This future-proofing approach allows buildings to be ready for greener energy without needing expensive upgrades later on.The Warm Homes Social Housing Fund is also stepping up, offering funding not only for new heat networks but also to decarbonise existing systems.
A greener future for homes
This marks a shift from the previous Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, with an expanded focus that includes retrofitting heat networks to reduce carbon emissions even further.
Additionally, a revised low-carbon heating incentive will now be available, making it more financially viable for heat networks to access funding. These changes are set to make heat networks a vital tool in the UK’s journey to a greener, more sustainable future.
Image: Unsplash