Community or district heating (heat networks) replaces individual boilers within homes or offices with a centralised heating plant or energy centre. Hot water is distributed from this energy centre and/or other heat sources and is pumped to homes and other buildings using a network of highly insulated pipes.
Community Heating Benefits
- cost competitive;
- accommodates all forms of heat generation;
- increases energy security;
- potential carbon dioxide savings;
- saves energy; and
- reduces space requirements.
It is an extremely flexible technology which can make use of any fuel including energy from waste (through Energy from Waste (EfW) plants), as well as fossil fuels. The efficiency of all fuel use can be improved through the use of combined heat and power (CHP).
Industrial waste heat is another source of energy that if captured can provide a sustainable, lower cost form of heating for neighbouring businesses and residents.
Waste heat and heating networks are two significant opportunities for regional carbon savings and improving energy efficiency. Both are currently underdeveloped and identifying viable projects can be a time consuming and an expensive process.
Recognising these barriers, FEY established a working partnership with ARUP to deliver a speedy and robust assessment method, the Heat Network Tool.
For more information on Community Heating Schemes click here.