To help meet the Uk’s carbon reduction targets, the number of homes connected to heat networks must increase 30-fold by 2050 according to a report on domestic heating for the Electricity Networks Association highlighted in MBS magazine. There are currently only 1% of homes on the network and connecting more will reduce carbon emissions while keeping options open during a period of transition.
One of the main benefits of heat networks is that they provide cost and efficiency benefits regardless of the heat sources that are connected to them. Overtime heat can be decarbonised whilst preserving flexibility over energy sources. Emphasised in the report was that whatever route the UK decides to go down, district heating needs to play a “massive role” in reaching the nations decarbonisation and energy targets.
Greg Baker, the DECC minister states that this should be an opportunity to make heat generation more efficient and develop cities in more sustainable ways that contribute to lower carbon emissions for the future.
The Combined Heat & Power Association said the UK must dramatically change the way it delivers heat to homes and businesses and the scale of the challenge should not be under estimated, however it is welcome that the DECC has recognised the flexibility and greater efficiency using heat networks.