Six cities to pilot heat network zones

The government has announced that six towns and cities have been selected to develop the country’s first heat network zones. The ground-breaking schemes in Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, Sheffield, and two in London will receive a share of £5.8 million of funding to develop the zones, with construction expected to start from 2026.

Developing zones for heat networks in urban areas is thought to be the cheapest and most efficient way of delivering the technology, which recycles excess heat – generated for example by data centres or from factories – to enable the heating of several buildings at once. The heat network zones will use data to identify the best spots and will require suitable buildings, such as hotels and large offices, to connect when it is cost-effective for them to do so.

Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh says:”Heat network zones will play an important part in our mission to deliver clean power for the country, helping us take back control of our energy security. As well as energy independence, they will support millions of businesses and building owners for years to come, with low-cost, low carbon heating – driving down energy bills.”
The six selected towns and cities are part of the government’s plan to accelerate the delivery of heat networks across England in areas where zones are likely to be designated in the future. The learnings from these pilots will inform the work to reduce bills, enhance energy security, and achieve net zero by 2050.

CEO of the Association for Decentralised Energy Caroline Bragg comments: “We are delighted to see government maintaining its support for the heat network sector. Heat network zones are crucial for a just transition for our communities – putting the UK on the lowest cost pathway to decarbonising our heat, attracting more than £3 of private investment for every £1 of public funding given and creating tens of thousands of local jobs. As we begin to deliver zoning at scale, it is crucial that the government and industry continue to work together to ensure heat networks can truly unleash their potential.”