Over £3m of funding is being awarded through the government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) to enhance heat networks across England and Wales.
The funding, allocated in Round 5 of the scheme, is set to improve the efficiency of heat networks for the benefit of 8,492 residents and various other private and public sector organisations.
The funding awarded in this round brings the total awarded by HNES to over £30m. In Round 5, 24 organisations are to receive support totaling £3.2m for 33 heat networks across the country. According to a statement, almost 2,000 residents will benefit from direct efficiency upgrades to their heat networks.
An additional 6,500 residents, hospitals, universities and public sector institutions are set to benefit from optimisation studies in Round 5, it noted. These studies are expected to unlock additional areas for improvement that reduce energy bills, reduce energy consumption and minimise customer detriment, it cited.
An optimisation study for a heat network serving the Ministry of Defence is included in this funding round and is to identify areas whereby Wellington Barracks can improve its efficiency levels. The statement said that the study demonstrates how the British Army is actively looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint and is an example of how HNES exists to improve heat networks across diverse sectors.
The impact of this funding extends beyond financial benefits, it added. By supporting 33 heat networks, it said that we can expect emissions savings from this round to be equivalent to taking 938 diesel cars off the road each year.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “From Lancaster University to the British Army’s Wellington Barracks, heat networks are playing an important role in reducing energy use and cutting the UK’s emissions.
“It’s fantastic that over 8,000 residents will now see improvements to their heating and hot water supply thanks to support from our Heat Network Efficiency Scheme, with over £30m now awarded.”
Louise Singleton, principal consultant at Gemserv, added: “As of today, HNES has awarded over £30m to existing heat networks in England and Wales to optimise their efficiency levels so they’re fit for decades to come.
“Not only this, but today’s announcement is the first to show how HNES funded revenue studies can then lead to tangible improvements funded through capital applications.
“Optimisation studies, unlocked by revenue grant funding, are crucial to help identify and inform heat network operators of the opportunities that exist to improve a heat network’s efficiency levels. We are delighted to be supporting projects all the way through from study to implementation.”