Heat Networks

A heat network – sometimes called district heating – is a distribution system of insulated pipes that takes heat from a central source and delivers it to a number of domestic or non-domestic buildings. The heat source might be a facility that provides a dedicated supply to the heat network, such as heat recovered from industry and urban infrastructure, canals and rivers, or energy from waste plants.

Heat networks form an important part of our plan to reduce carbon and cut heating bills for customers (domestic and commercial). They are one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing carbon emissions from heating, and their efficiency and carbon-saving potential increase as they grow and connect to each other. They provide a unique opportunity to exploit larger scale – and often lower cost – renewable and recovered heat sources that otherwise cannot be used. It is estimated by the Climate Change Committee that around 18% of UK heat will need to come from heat networks by 2050 if the UK is to meet its carbon targets cost-effectively.

We provide specialist design advice on the supply of heat from a source such as a sewer or water source to the heat network. The supply of heat to the heat network is provided via a heat pump.
Our unique experience of the wastewater environment, engineering solutions and providing practical solutions at the design stage have meant we have been providing advice on the most challenging projects.

Heat mapping
The Government Department BEIS is responsible for The Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU)
The Heat Networks Delivery Unit was established in 2013 to address the capacity and capability challenges which local authorities identified as barriers to heat network deployment in the UK. The Unit provides funding and specialist guidance to local authorities who are developing heat network projects.