Policy action needed on heat networks, says HPA UK

UK – New recommendations from Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK) warn that the ambitions for heat networks will be difficult to achieve without a framework that supports deployment at scale.

In a new publication, Accelerating the Deployment of Heat Pump Driven Low Carbon Heat Networks and Drilling, HPA UK urges government to provide greater regulatory clarity, targeted funding and stronger policy recognition for heat pump-driven low carbon heat networks

Heat networks are expected to meet around 20% of UK heating demand by 2050, compared with approximately 3% today, requiring an almost sevenfold growth over the coming decades. Achieving this expansion will require policies that recognise the role of SGLs and ambient heat networks, alongside improving traditional systems.

The UK Government suggests that district heating can reduce fuel bills by 30%, and research by Innovate UK found that heat networks could provide energy system savings of up to £1.57bn per year. They can also provide a practical solution for buildings that may not be suitable for individual heat pump installations.

Key recommendations from HPA UK

To help scale heat networks from around 3% of UK heat demand today to 20% by 2050, HPA UK recommends the UK Government:

• Formally recognise shared ground loops and ambient heat networks as compliant within zoning and regulatory frameworks, are afforded the statutory rights accompanying zoned network status while ensuring standards and obligations are proportionate to their low-temperature nature.
• Support coordinated, area-wide rollout of heat networks by identifying viable locations early and enabling delivery through effective tools and funding.
• Design schemes to support heat pump-led networks in suitable buildings, with targeted measures that reflect higher upfront costs and long-term benefits.
• Standardise drilling permitting, invest in targeted training, and enhance national ground data to unlock the full value of underutilised heat sources.

Alongside these asks, the the publication says the sector has committed to:

• Building the evidence base by compiling case studies that demonstrate the performance, cost-effectiveness and carbon benefits of heat pump-driven low-carbon heat networks and drilling-based solutions across a range of settings.
• Providing robust performance data to ensure the characteristics of heat pump-driven low-carbon heat networks are accurately reflected in SAP, the Home Energy Model, HNTAS assessments and funding eligibility criteria.
• Developing and sharing technical guidance and best practice on SGL system design, commissioning, monitoring and long-term thermal management to support consistent quality across the sector.
• Demonstrating the economic and employment value of heat pump-driven low-carbon heat networks and drilling deployment to strengthen the case for continued investment and policy support.

Heat pump-driven heat networks are one of the most practical and cost-effective routes to decarbonising heat at scale.

Dr Joel Hamilton, HPA UK Technical Consultant

Dr Joel Hamilton, HPA UK Technical Consultant, said: “This is an exciting and important time for our industry as it is on the cusp of massive growth. HPA UK’s key asks address the issues that have held back deployment and, with the right policies and support, the UK has a genuine opportunity to make heat pump-driven heat networks a cornerstone of its clean heat transition.”

Laura Bishop, Co-Chair of HPA UK and past Chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA) said: “Releasing these clear asks of Government and commitments from the sector is a positive step that gives the industry a shared focus to coalesce around, helping to drive consistency, confidence, and momentum in the deployment of drilling and heat pump-led low carbon heat networks.”

The publication is available here.