Let’s Talk Heat Network Solutions – Steve Hart

Importance of heat networks

The UK has a legally binding commitment to 2050 net zero. With no single solution to decarbonise heat, heat networks are recognised as an essential component in the UK’s future energy mix.

Heat networks are crucial for the UK to move away from natural gas towards sustainable energy sources and could account for up to 20% of the UK’s heat mix by 2050. An annual growth rate of approximately 35% is needed to increase from the current 2-3% contribution to this target figure.

What is a heat network?

‘Heat network’ is an umbrella term to describe a shared network that provides space heating and/or hot water to multiple buildings (district heating) or to multiple dwellings, often within a high-rise tower block (communal heating).

The source – or sources – of heat for these networks is a centralised energy centre that transfers the heat to users in entire commercial buildings or individual apartments through pre-insulated underground pipework. Avoiding the need for individual heat sources in each dwelling or building can reduce the carbon intensity en masse and improve energy security for occupants when new low carbon heat sources are deployed. 

Heat networks can be sub-classified as follows:

• District heating, where a central energy centre connects to multiple buildings
• Communal heating, where multiple dwellings within a single block are connected to a central energy source
• Campus heating, which refers to systems within universities, hospitals or military facilities where the owner and the connected buildings are the same entity, eliminating the commercial relationship between the operator and tenants.

Heat networks are technology agnostic but with an emphasis on air source heat pumps, possibly supported by gas boilers (natural gas today, biofuel in the future). 

Government approach

The previous government made its intentions clear, setting an ambition for 20% of UK heat demand to be supplied from heat networks by 2050, up from an estimated 2-3% today. 

Heat has been ‘utilised’, granting it similar status to electricity, water and gas. Tighter regulation under Ofgem will ensure fair pricing and service levels, protecting vulnerable customers. 

Government funding is directed towards building new heat networks and improving or decarbonising existing ones.

Heat network zoning legislation, which identifies and designates areas in the UK where heat networks would offer the most suitable low-cost solution to decarbonisation, is also set to increase uptake. From 2025, certain areas will be designated as ‘heat network zones’ where heat networks are the most viable and cost-effective decarbonisation method.

What needs to be considered to implement a successful heat network?

Whether for a high-rise block, a school campus or a development of homes, there are a few key steps to take when deciding on a heat network:

1. Carry out feasibility and design studies. Partnering with a specialist like Baxi can provide the right support for each project and streamline the process. They will ideally be able to offer digital tools for pre-contract design advice and solutions with low-carbon heat sources to support funding applications.
2. Consider prefabricated options. To make the process of implementing a low-carbon system smooth and seamless, consider heating solutions providers that can supply in-house offsite manufacturing and engineering capabilities to design and build the energy centre – including packaged plant room options.
3. Plan servicing and maintenance. Using connected remote monitoring and control will allow for the optimisation of performance and precise maintenance. It will also facilitate predictive maintenance to limit downtime and disruption, with remote monitoring enabling service engineers and contractors to pinpoint root causes of issues and fix them early on.

How can Baxi support the heat network strategy?

There is a gap in industry capability, training and aftercare that Baxi is uniquely skilled to fill. We bring complementary skills to support the government goal of decarbonisation through heat networks. 

• Our historical involvement: We have participated in numerous high-profile projects including Battersea Power Station, where we supplied heat interface units (HIUs) inside prefabricated utility cupboards
• Our product range: Baxi UK has been selling HIUs for over 20 years
• Our prefabricated options: in Baxi Packaged Solutions we have the expertise and experience of designing and manufacturing packaged energy centres and skid-mounted equipment for heat generation and distribution
• Our design skills: our technical solutions team have knowledge and experience with designing heat network solutions. 
• Our servicing capability: we have a UK-wide service engineer network to provide after sales support, maintenance and servicing
• Our technology: we have the necessary components to deliver end-to-end solutions – from energy centres to HIU utility cupboards. 
• Our strategic advantage: Baxi is also drawing on expertise and experience from our parent company BDR Thermea. We are part of a bigger group with companies such as heat network specialist, Fortes Energy Systems, the market leader in manufacturing and supplying HIUs and thermal substations in northern Europe, last year and heat pump manufacturer Clint to support with technology and expertise.