In Round 7 of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), funding of over £19.5m has been allocated to help 63 heat networks.
According to a statement, the support provided in Round 7 of HNES will benefit almost 8,000 residents by enabling warmer, reliable and more cost-effective heating provision. Capital funding awarded in this round will also help to reduce carbon emissions from space heating by the equivalent of 829 one-way flights from London to New York every year, it noted.
Germserv said it is encouraged by the notable increase in organisations applying for capital grant funding to implement heat network improvements recommended by an optimisation study also previously supported by HNES. This shows that support from the scheme is enabling project owners to both identify and implement improvements to their heat networks, it added, as HNES supports them from initial study through to final works.
Notting Hill Genesis provides an example of this process in action, receiving capital support in Round 7 to implement improvements to the Baths Court heat network. Support in this round will go towards tackling issues with high energy consumption and frequent heat outages. As a result, 32 residents will benefit from more reliable and efficient heating and hot water.
Louise Singleton, HNES programme manager at Gemserv, said: “Round 7 marks the largest funding package awarded since the introduction of the scheme in 2023. We are delighted with the level of interest that HNES is receiving, and it is clear to see why.
“We are beginning to see the fruits of optimisation studies funded in earlier rounds, as applicants return to the scheme for capital funding to help implement their study’s recommendations.
“It is also clear that HNES can help unlock significant benefits for both people and the environment. So far, HNES has helped over 51,000 residents, 300 heat networks, and will save 200,000 tonnes of carbon over the next 40 years. As 2025 begins, we are looking forward to another year of improving outcomes for customers and operators.”