Net zero housing scheme planned for south Wales development
26 May 2026
Utility infrastructure company GTC has been selected by Barratt Redrow to deliver energy and utility systems for a 576-home development in Penarth that is claimed to be the UK’s largest net zero carbon housing scheme.
The Cosmeston Farm project in south Wales will exceed the Future Homes Standard by deploying GTC’s fully integrated Smart Home system at scale. It combines networked ground source heat pumps, smart controls and optimisation, grid flexibility services, home battery storage and GTC-owned electricity and water networks, as one seamless service.
This whole-system approach is what enables Cosmeston to deliver low energy bills, through smart optimisation and grid-flexibility earnings – all while reducing demand on the electricity grid and ensuring freedom of choice of electricity supplier.
GTC will monitor whole-home energy use across Cosmeston Farm, capturing detailed, real-world performance data from the heat pumps, solar PV, batteries, smart controls and the local electricity network. This site-wide monitoring will provide the clear evidence needed to demonstrate that the development is performing to the defined net zero carbon-in-operation target.
Cardiff University will independently review real-world performance, helping set a new benchmark for large-scale net zero carbon housing across the UK.
John Marsh, chief innovation officer at GTC:
“Cosmeston showcases the power of bringing together proven technologies and investment to create affordable, zero carbon, smart homes. By combining heat pumps, smart controls, solar, batteries and flexibility into one solution, we are delivering a blueprint for future-proofed, net zero carbon homes, at scale.”
Oliver Novakovic, technical & innovation director at Barratt Redrow:
“Cosmeston represents a transformational step in how we design and build the next generation of zero-carbon communities. By working closely with GTC from the outset, we’ll be able to integrate advanced smart home technologies into the fabric of the development, ensuring our customers benefit from lower energy bills, greater comfort and long-term resilience. This project shows what is possible when industry partners collaborate to deliver homes that are not only beautifully designed, but future-ready.”
GTC’s Smart Home system will deliver:
Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps:
Low-carbon, high-efficiency heating and hot water for every home. Shared boreholes draw on stable ground temperatures, enabling consistent performance year-round. Each property will have a Kensa Shoebox heat pump which sits discreetly inside the home.
Electricity Networks:
A resilient, future-ready electricity network supporting low-carbon technologies at scale with advanced energy monitoring. Requires a lower grid capacity, thanks to the efficient ground source heat pump system.
Water Networks:
Fully integrated potable water services designed for long-term reliability and efficient delivery.
Battery Storage Solutions:
Home batteries enabling greater self-consumption of renewable electricity, ability to utilise time-of-use tariffs and providing grid flexibility benefits to help reduce household bills.
Energy Monitoring and Smart Control:
Making new technology easy to use, helping homeowners understand and optimise their energy use, supporting low running costs, grid stability and verified net zero performance.
Image credit: GTC
