UK commits £90 million to heat networks, including a Thames project
- Thames project to supply 650,000 homes, government says
- £13.3 million to upgrade existing heat networks
- Capital grants can cover up to, but not including, 50% of eligible costs
LONDON — The UK government has committed £90 million to build new heat networks and repair existing ones, including £41 million for a project under and alongside the River Thames that it said will supply 650,000 homes with clean heat.2
Heat networks heat multiple buildings from a central source through pipes carrying hot water, according to the government's press release.2 The Thames project will initially carry hot water 25 kilometres each day on electric barges and then through a tunnel under the river.2
The project still needs planning consent.2 The government said it will help unlock around £5 billion of investment in London's local heat networks.2
The government also committed £13.3 million under Round 11 of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).1 The HNES announcement of the round said the money will help improve heating and hot water systems in over 2,300 homes across England and Wales.1 It said HNES capital grants cover up to, but not including, 50% of eligible project costs.1
Under the round, 10 organisations will share over £12.2 million of capital support.1 Separately, 28 organisations will share £1.15 million for optimisation studies, which review how networks perform and identify areas for improvement.1 The studies cover networks serving almost 7,000 residents.1
Housing provider Hyde is receiving over £5.5 million for networks serving 1,143 residents at Prospect House in Bermondsey and Packington Estate in Islington, according to HNES.1
"And for those already using heat networks, we are upgrading inefficient systems to make sure people get the high-quality, low-cost, reliable heating they deserve," Minister for Local Energy and Jobs Martin McCluskey said.1,2
HNES said housing providers are aiming to cut carbon emissions by over 29,000 tonnes a year.1 The press release said the upgrades cover 76 heat networks.2
In Bradford, a £9.7 million award will extend the city's heat network to 255 homes, a hospital and seven schools and colleges, the government said.2