Heat Networks Zoning Pilot
The aim of the zoning pilot is to understand how to develop heat networks in zones where they can provide the lowest cost, low carbon heat to the end-consumer through regulation, mandating powers, and market support.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
In autumn 2021 BEIS consulted on proposals for the implementation of heat network zones. The overall aim of zoning is to develop heat networks in zones where they can provide the lowest cost low carbon heat to the end-consumer in England through regulation, mandating powers, and market support.
Following the consultation, we launched a local pilot programme which will:
- develop, test and refine an approach to developing heat network zones
- understand how to identify and designate zones
- define the principles of what a heat network zone could look like in practice
- test the methodology to be used for identifying heat network zones
We are looking to understand:
- how zone boundaries can be developed
- what data is required to determine zone boundaries
- the level of granularity of data required to develop zone boundaries
- how zone boundaries could change over time
- sensitivities around requiring certain buildings within zones to connect to a heat network
- requirements on certain parties to provide information to support the identification and designation of heat network zones
- the impact of zones required to meet levels of low carbon standards
- approaches for how heat networks are deployed in zones
We will use the learning from the pilot in subsequent policy development.
The Heat Network Zoning Pilot brings together:
- central government
- 28 local authority partners
- 9 zoning technical consultants (AECOM, Anthesis, Arcadis, Arup, Buro Happold, Greenfield Nordic, Ramboll, Witteveen Bos / Nordic Energy, WSP)
- 2 model developers
Within the 28 cities and towns the Pilot will engage with the wider heat network industry and those with a broader interest in the decarbonisation of heat including:
- local authorities
- electricity and gas distribution network operators
- housing associations
- owners of large public sector and commercial non-domestic buildings (for example, NHS trusts, universities, hotels, supermarkets, office blocks)
- owners of potential waste heat sources (energy from waste operations, data centres, industrial operators, sewage utilities)
Background
The Energy White Paper, Heat & Buildings Strategy and Net Zero Strategy committed us to introduce heat network zoning in England by 2025, as a key enabler for growing the heat network market.
In autumn 2021 BEIS consulted on proposals which envisage central and local government working together with industry and local stakeholders to identify and designate areas within which heat networks are the lowest cost, low carbon solution for decarbonising heating. A nationwide methodology will be used for identifying and designating heat network zones.