Heat Network fund to invest over £10m to support heat pump adoption

Four separate low carbon heat projects in Worthing, London, Bristol and Liverpool are the latest recipients of millions of pounds in funding though the Heat Network Investment Project (HNIP).

According to the government, the four projects will receive over £10m through the HNIP.  This will build on ambitions to expand heat network use to cover around at least of fifth national heating requirements by 2050.  Heat networks are estimated to currently account for two per cent of total UK heat demand.

Over £250m has now been invested through the HNIP scheme, which is set to be replaced over the coming year by the proposed Green Heat Network Fund.

Heat pump shift

The four newest projects to receive HNIP funding are all designed to make use of heat pumps that are expected to a vital technology to help decarbonise homes and buildings over the next 28 years.

The Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management group, which managers the funding scheme, praised the growing focus on combining heat pump systems with district heat solutions.

Ken Hunnisett of Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management said, “it is fantastic to see so many schemes already stepping up to combine these solutions in such innovative ways to access heat under our feet, in the air around us, in our waterways and even within our sewerage system.”

“Not only will these inspiring projects deliver carbon savings, but they prove that heat pump technology is adaptable and can contribute to a smarter, more flexible future energy system.”

Lord Callanan, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for business, energy and corporate responsibility, said the latest round of funding from the HNIP reflected the importance of decarbonising heat.

He said, “Changing the way we heat our homes and workspaces is key to tackling pollution and the investment into new heat networks across Worthing, London, Bristol and Liverpool will ensure these areas are placed at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.”

“The new networks of air source heat pumps will deliver affordable, low-carbon heat and energy across the nation’s homes, universities residences, and business units, while opening up huge job and investment opportunities, making our thriving cities and seaside towns greener places to live, work, and visit.”

Funding recipients

Bristol City Council, which has already received funding through the HNIP for other heat pump projects, is being given £1.7m to develop the Temple Heat Network.   This is intended to generate low carbon heat for homes and businesses from water sources using a range of technologies including ground and water source heat pumps. The project will also extract waste heat fromIn  university buildings, according to Triple Point.

Worthing Borough Council will receive more than £5m to support preparatory work and initial construction on a heat network intended to replace gas boiler use in 27 buildings. This work will work on using a centralised heat pump to extract heat from local sewers for use across the city in public and commercial buildings.  The funds will also support the appointment of a private sector partner to operate, design and finance the network.

In Liverpool, £6.2m will be provided to Peel NRE to support the transition of an existing heat network designed for gas CHP generation over to a heat pump system instead.   The funds will also support further feasibility studies focused on expanding the network.

Kensington and Chelsea Council will receive £1.1m for the development of a new zero carbon heat network. This network is intended to heat 826 homes in north Kensington, along with other public buildings and businesses,

The majority of homes to be connected to the new solution are currently connected to two heat networks that are over 40 years old and reliant on either individual combi-boilers or gas CHP, according to Triple Plan.

The management group stated, “By using air source heat pump technology, the Notting Dale Heat Network will be zero-carbon from 2030 supporting the council’s plans for the borough to become net zero carbon by 2040. The scheme is expected to deliver carbon savings over the first 15 years of operation of around 790 tonnes per year.”