UK: Local authority district heating interest

More than two dozen local authorities considering how to best address local fuel poverty and carbon emissions came together last week at CHPA’s District Heating Conference to see how to successfully deliver projects.

The day brought together over 110 candidates to share ideas and questions, helping local authority officials learn how to make their projects more attractive to investors, decide on the right business model, and ensure their new district heating investments were designed to the highest standards.

“Thanks to DECC support, more local authorities are considering new district heating investments than ever before. The aim of the Conference was to ensure users and providers are coming together to ensure these projects can be delivered and achieve their ambition of lowering emissions and lowering consumers’ heat bills,” CHPA Communications Officer Claire Wych said.

“Deciding upon a suitable commercial strategy, scheme governance and an appropriate ownership structure were all important steps in ensuring a strong business case for district heating.”

Attendees of the CHPA’s annual District Heating Conference heard how over 50 local authorities were exploring the potential benefits of 65 different district heating projects thanks to feasibility funding received from the Heat Networks Delivery Unit.

Since its inception, £4.3m has been allocated to local authorities seeking to understand how district heating could help them meet a variety of targets including decarbonisation, local growth, improved energy efficiency and a reduction in fuel poverty.

Source: CHPA / H&V News