Project to map the future of electric heat networks

UK Power Networks has announced the launch of HeatScape, a new project aimed at mapping and predicting the growth of electrified heat networks across the United Kingdom. The initiative is in response to the national target of increasing heat network coverage from just 3% of heating demand today to an anticipated 20% by 2050.

HeatScape is being developed in partnership with engineering firms Arup and Environmental Resources Management, as well as Bring Energy, which operates the East London Energy Distribution Heat Network. The project will use a combination of data analysis, advanced modelling and real-world insights to help identify where heat networks currently exist, forecast where they are likely to develop, and estimate how much electricity these systems will require under different scenarios.

Currently, most heating in the UK relies on fossil fuels, but moving towards electrified heat networks –systems that deliver heating and hot water from central sources powered by electricity – would mark a substantial shift in how homes are kept warm. This transition is seen as central to reducing emissions, but it will also introduce new pressure on the UK’s electricity infrastructure.

The results from HeatScape are set to be integrated into UK Power Networks’ Strategic Forecasting System, allowing for more targeted and effective upgrades to the electricity network. Another goal is to explore flexible approaches to managing heating demand, such as using thermal storage to lower peak electricity usage.

By partnering with Bring Energy, the project also aims to gauge consumer interest in energy flexibility and to support the roll-out of low-carbon technologies for heating. Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said HeatScape represents a “proactive approach” to managing the shift to low-carbon heating, enabling smarter planning and reducing costs.

Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks:

“Decarbonising heat is one of the biggest opportunities we have to create a cleaner, more efficient energy future. With HeatScape, we’re taking a proactive approach, working with our partners to understand where heat networks will grow and how they’ll interact with the grid. By combining data, modelling and customer insights, we can plan smarter, reduce costs and make sure the transition to low-carbon heating benefits everyone.”

Stephen Hutchins, concession director at Bring Energy:

“As operators of East London Energy, one of the UK’s largest heat networks, Bring Energy see first-hand the importance of forward-looking, data-driven planning in the shift to low-carbon heat. HeatScape will give us a clearer picture of how and where heat networks are likely to grow, and what that means for our electricity infrastructure. We’re excited to be partnering with an industry leader in innovation like UK Power Networks to explore new ways to make heat networks more flexible, including smarter use of thermal storage. We believe this collaborative project will help accelerate