Why heat networks are no longer the ‘dark horse of decarbonisation’

Association for Decentralised Energy says heat networks are poised to accelerate at scale towards net zero

Heat networks are set to deliver a significant part of the work needed to deliver net zero, accelerating the low carbon transition and lowering energy bills thanks to their ability to integrate renewable energy sources and utilise waste heat.

Comprising insulated pipes to deliver heat from the point of generation in the form of hot water or steam, heat network uses include waste-to-energy facilities, biomass boilers and CHP plants, heat pumps and even solar thermal arrays.

Heat networks are an internationally-proven route for decarbonising heat at scale – however, this hasn't always been recognised by the right decision-makers.

Energy technologies like offshore wind or solar panels have already household topics of discussion, and many believe critical heat network infrastructure and the value it offers is next.

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These include the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), which believes that heat networks are “set to imminently explode into the public consciousness”.

At the organisation’s annual President’s Reception, hosted by Lord Duncan of Springbank and supported by energy technology company Gemserv, leaders from across the industry gathered to explore how to ensure that heat networks’ moment in the sun is as impactful and transformative as possible.

Building heat networks at scale

Speaking to the 120 guests attending the lunch reception in the House of Lords, the ADE’s interim chief executive Caroline Bragg (CEO Lily Frencham is on maternity leave), noted that heat networks are the only internationally proven route for decarbonising heat at scale – with scale being the operative word.

“Heat networks are not a new technology – quite the opposite. They are an established and well-proven form of infrastructure that are now entering a new era."

Bragg (pictured), added: “Building at scale is the next step for heat networks, and we all need to learn the lessons from other industries to ensure we accelerate up the growth curve.

“Whereas onshore wind suffered from losing its base of political support and offshore wind had to overcome significant difficulties in building domestic supply chains, we need to get things right now to capitalise on the close to £100 billion investment and the tens of thousands of jobs that a thriving heat network sector would provide.”

Heat network opportunities

ADE President Lord Duncan of Springbank addressed the audience, highlighting that the time for decisive action has arrived and urging the sector to forge ahead in driving growth.

He declared: “Government must seize the significant opportunity presented by heat networks. The innovative ideas discussed today are truly world-leading, yet businesses like those in the room often find themselves hindered by regulations.

It is imperative that we create an environment where our visionary ideas can materialise into reality, unlocking a future where zero carbon heat networks are the most used method of heating buildings as we work towards delivering net zero.”

Gemserv’s Head of Policy Insights and Engagement, Samantha Shea, emphasised the importance of collaboration.

“Through the commitment of government, industry and public sector organisations, we've witnessed the magic of investment in boosting the number of heat networks across the country, while ensuring they perform to deliver the outcomes they are capable of.

“It’s been fantastic to be involved in the Heat Networks Investment Project, Green Heat Network Fund, Heat Network Efficiency Scheme and Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme and it’s important to reflect on how far we’ve come.

“But as we look ahead, we must acknowledge that the market is becoming increasingly complex, and the energy landscape continues to evolve."

Shea (pictured) added: “Change is the name of the game as we strive to decarbonise heat and deploy innovative and smart solutions to deliver efficiencies. Together, we can transform the heat network market to deliver net zero.”

Highlighting the huge scope low carbon heating technologies will need to play, Kieran Mullan MP said: “What we’re here to talk about today is heat networks. Getting to net zero by 2050 is going to require us to pull every possible lever. Transitioning our heating systems is a particular challenge.

“The UK has more than 28.5 million homes, and another 1.9 million other buildings – offices, hospitals, shops, warehouses and more. The majority of these are heated by gas boilers, which also provide hot water. Nearly a fifth of all the UK’s emissions come from buildings.

“Deep geothermal, which can be fed into heat networks, has its greatest potential in meeting this heating challenge. It will also help reduce demand on the grid created by transitioning all of our heating to electricity.”

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