Heat network will reduce carbon emissions up to 80%

Utility network provider GTC has developed a low carbon solution to replace the use of gas boilers in new homes.

Designed for traditional, new-build, low-rise developments, hot water is produced centrally in a Community Heat Hub, using large-scale heat pumps powered by grid electricity.

This solution is claimed to reduce carbon emissions by 75-80% based on current Building Regulations. It is expected meet the anticipated carbon emissions requirements of the 2025 Future Homes Standard (FHS).

The Community Heat Hub solution automatically will become net zero when the grid reaches its net zero targets in 2050.

From the Hub, hot water is fed to all individual homes through a highly insulated plastic-pipe heat network, to provide instantaneous heating and hot water. There is a thermal water storage tank in the Community Heat Hub, replenished when wholesale electricity costs are lower. This store reduces peak demand on the grid, lessening the need for reinforcement. Back-up electric boilers ensure a resilient supply of hot water.

The result is that homeowners have a simple, reliable supply of heat and hot water directly into the home from a central source on the development, owned and maintained by a specialist company – a similar experience to using gas.

Heat networks were previously only available using steel pipes, but regulations now allow lower operating temperatures so insulated plastic pipes become viable. This makes heat networks cost efficient on low-density developments.

COO John Marsh explained: “We provide utility infrastructure for new housing sites, so we are delighted to offer this alternative to gas. Our business owns and operates heat networks across London. We have built on this experience to extend heat networks to low-density sites for GTC installation. This provides a simple, competitive option for housebuilders and homeowners. It reduces carbon emissions by 75-80% and becomes zero-carbon when the grid gets to zero carbon.

“This is a viable, sustainable, cost-effective solution, which is available now.”