The development of low carbon heat networks is key in enabling the UK to meet its legally-binding climate change targets. However, without clear ways to link heat users to economically and societally viable heat sources, upcoming UK government’s Heat Network Zoning policies will be difficult to action.
This research involved a multi-layered analysis of energy demands and sources within an indicative heat network zone, using Leeds as a case study of a pioneer city for implementing zoning. The team brought interdisciplinary expertise on the geoscience of the subsurface together with social sciences of environmental policy and governance and worked with local stakeholders to generate a framework and policy recommendations.
The project included mapping and modelling to consider energy availability and storage opportunity in the subsurface, as well as energy from river or waste heat from commercial and industrial sites. It explored the role of the spatial planning system through its ability to designate land for development and set development standards.
Working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and additional relevant stakeholders, the findings share perspectives on geothermal and heat network viability in the context of heat network zoning and the requirements for model business cases which demonstrate scheme viability.
This project was funded in part by the 2023–2024 Research England Policy Support Fund.