This project seeks to identify the innovative solutions needed to deliver major reductions in the capital cost of heat network infrastructure and accelerate its deployment. Examining the technical, process and system developments needed to deliver a step change reduction in the capital costs, along with cost estimates and time frames for undertaking these developments. District heat networks supply heat to homes and businesses through pipes carrying hot water.They have great potential to deliver CO2 emissions reductions and cost benefits through the use of low carbon heat, waste heat from power stations, industry and other sources, combined heat and power, and large-scale heat pump deployment.
This summary report summarises the entire project, in a readily-accessible manner. Readers may find it useful to study this report prior to studying the detailed engineeringreports.
Key findings from the project
Heat network capital cost reductions of 30-40% are possible. Eight route maps summarise the actions required to implement the most impactful solutions with a total funding requirement of c£10m
Cost modelling of a notional baseline network (constructed to current good practice in the UK) comprising a mix of types of dwelling from flats to detached houses and a group of non-domestic buildings showed that 77% of the total cost of a typical heat distribution network is associated with three key elements:The civil engineering work to excavate and reinstate trenches (37%).The transmission and distribution pipes and their installation (17%).The supply and installation into the buildings of the heat interface units (HIUs) and associated pipework, which enable the connection of the DH network to the building’s heating system (23%).A technical review of DH experience outside the UK revealed that the technical designs used in countries with established district heatingmarkets are broadly similar to the designs deployed in the UK. However, in other countries there is a widespread understanding of DH systems and better integration in practice across all delivery stakeholders, including a more standardised methodology for carrying out assessments, design and construction for new schemes.
The technical review also confirmed that the design and installation of pre-insulated pipe systems has reached a level of technical maturity after 40 years of development, and soThe areas with the greatest potential for cost reduction are li...
This summary report summarises the entire project, in a readily-accessible manner. Readers may find it useful to study this report prior to studying the detailed engineeringreports.
Key findings from the project
Heat network capital cost reductions of 30-40% are possible. Eight route maps summarise the actions required to implement the most impactful solutions with a total funding requirement of c£10m
Cost modelling of a notional baseline network (constructed to current good practice in the UK) comprising a mix of types of dwelling from flats to detached houses and a group of non-domestic buildings showed that 77% of the total cost of a typical heat distribution network is associated with three key elements:The civil engineering work to excavate and reinstate trenches (37%).The transmission and distribution pipes and their installation (17%).The supply and installation into the buildings of the heat interface units (HIUs) and associated pipework, which enable the connection of the DH network to the building’s heating system (23%).A technical review of DH experience outside the UK revealed that the technical designs used in countries with established district heatingmarkets are broadly similar to the designs deployed in the UK. However, in other countries there is a widespread understanding of DH systems and better integration in practice across all delivery stakeholders, including a more standardised methodology for carrying out assessments, design and construction for new schemes.
The technical review also confirmed that the design and installation of pre-insulated pipe systems has reached a level of technical maturity after 40 years of development, and soThe areas with the greatest potential for cost reduction are li...