DISTRICT HEATING & HEAT NETWORKS
The rising use of heat pumps in heat networks
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With the UK government committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050, the demand for sustainable heating in the built environment sector is escalating. Heat networks are emerging as a solution, offering communities and developers a pathway to heating at scale while dramatically reducing carbon emissions. Jarrad Bedford, head of sales – O&M at Insite Energy offers some insight
eat networks supply a range of properties from a single, shared heat source. But which heat source that is, is starting to shift. While historically reliant on gas boilers, an increasingly prevalent
trend is the integration of air source heat pumps (ASHP) into these networks, enabling them to provide highly efficient, low-carbon heating, hot water, and cooling at scale. Here, we take a look at the advantages of ASHP heat networks, regulations and investments driving the trend, and how to address the skills shortage facing the industry.
The advantages of ASHP-powered heat networks
While the use of ASHPs in heat networks remains relatively rare, this is changing. Now, the majority of new developments that incorporate ASHPs in heat networks outnumber those that do not. Why? Well, ASHP systems use thermal stores to keep energy until it is needed, such as peak demand times like early mornings and evenings. This is more efficient than using gas boilers in heat networks, which burn gas on demand. As a result, ASHPs have a significant advantage over gas boilers when it comes to obtaining energy performance certificates (EPCs). The energy performance of all new homes is calculated using a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score, which demonstrates compliance with building regulations. While SAP is set to be replaced by the Home Energy Model, the concept will remain the same: everything that goes into a building – from the bricks to the wiring – will receive an energy performance rating. And, when we say everything, this also includes its heating and cooling source. Therefore, one of the crucial benefits of ASHPs is that they receive excellent SAP scores, while gas boilers, even when part of a heat network, may not.
A case in point
A compelling illustration of this trend towards ASHP in heat networks can be seen at a new
236-unit development in north London. The four-building development is part of a heat network powered by 12 42 kilowatt (kW) ASHPs. Together, these are estimated to be three times more efficient than the same heat network running gas boilers.
Indeed, as the London Plan prioritises heat pumps and heat networks, particularly in new developments, in order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, developments such as these are great examples of future-proofed, low- emissions developments that will see emissions drop further as the proportion of the UK’s electricity supply that comes from renewable sources increases over time.
Addressing the skills gap challenge
However, introducing AHSP heat networks isn’t all plain sailing.
Just as car mechanics had to learn about computer diagnostics in the 1990s, or IT teams transitioned from on-site storage to managing distributed infrastructure over the last decade, embracing new technology always requires workforce adaptation. This is no different in the heating sector, where engineers who have been trained on gas boilers are now turning their focus to heat pumps - both air source and ground source. This is no easy feat. Especially considering that heat networks present particular challenges for engineers due to their unique technical requirements, which are far removed from conventional heating systems. The upshot of this is a significant skills shortage which, if not addressed, threatens to decelerate the industry’s path to net zero. So, what can we do to tackle this? At Insite Energy, we are expanding our in- house engineer training schemes to include Level 3 (Low Carbon Heating Technician) and Level 4 (Building Services Technician) apprenticeships, in partnership with London South Bank Technical College and London South Bank University. These programmes will fast-track tomorrow’s talented low-carbon heating technicians into the workforce, but this must be replicated across the industry.
Navigating the legislative landscape
As the heat pump heat network wave continues to surge, it is also important that developers are across legislation and regulations that encourage more energy-efficient heating.
For example, developers within the M25 must adhere to the aforementioned London Plan. This is a crucial piece of legislation that prioritises heat pumps and heat networks, particularly in new developments. The London Plan incorporates policies that align with, and in some cases, exceed requirements of the UK government’s Future Homes Standard, which will ban natural gas boilers in new homes.
One of the London Plan’s key objectives is for 25% of the heat and power used in the capital to be generated through the use of localised decentralised energy systems by the end of this year to increase energy self-sufficiency and reduce carbon emissions. To achieve this, the Greater London Authority is promoting the expansion of heat networks and identifying innovative heat sources such as the London Underground, the River Thames, and even sewers, as potential energy sources for heat networks. This forms part of several schemes across London, Leeds, Plymouth, Bristol, Stockport, and Sheffield, which will share £5.8 million of government funding to pilot heat network zones. Construction is expected to start in 2026, and the investment in the project highlights just how serious the UK is about moving towards efficient, low-carbon heating for the built environment.
Looking ahead
As the UK drives towards net zero and that figure gets higher, the shift towards ASHP-powered heat networks becomes not just a regulatory imperative but a strategic move towards a more sustainable and secure energy future. While challenges remain, particularly in bridging the skills gap for engineers, the industry’s proactive response, coupled with supportive legislation, paints a promising picture. The focus now is on maximising the efficiency of heating systems, with developments such as the north London example being a blueprint for further sustainable development, with ASHP heat networks right at their heart.
10 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2025 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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