Proposals for Heat Network Zoning 2023 - Open Consultation and Events by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Heat networks are an essential part of our path towards decarbonising heat, enhancing energy security and achieving net zero by 2050. They currently provide about 3% of total UK heat. The DESNZ's analysis shows that heat networks could provide up to 20% of total UK heat by 2050.
The Energy Act 2023 establishes the regulatory framework for heat networks in Great Britain and provides powers to introduce heat network zoning in England through secondary legislation.
On 18 December 2023 the government published a consultation on heat network zoning. This document provides an overview of the definitions, key concepts, and proposals in the consultation.
The consultation is open until 26 February, and the DESNZ are planning several online events in the new year which may be of interest to energy management professionals. For the individual events and their content, please see below.
Heat network zoning: Consultation overview - 9 January, 11am-12:30pm (GMT)
This session will provide an overview of the consultation on heat network zoning. It will provide attendees with the chance to better understand the various topics and issues that the consultation covers as well as the timelines for implementing the policy. It will also feature time for questions at the end of the session.
Heat network zoning: Requirements in zones - 15 January, 10am-11:30am (GMT)
This session will focus on the section of the consultation on requirements in heat network zones. It will go into greater detail on the requirements for building owners and operators, as well as sources of waste heat within zones. It will also feature time for questions at the end of the session.
Heat network zoning: Delivery of zones - 26 January, 11am-12:30pm (GMT)
This session will focus on the section of the consultation on delivery of zones. It will go into greater detail on the processes by which specific organisations will be conferred rights to develop and operate heat networks within zones. This will include rights to require buildings to connect to a heat network. It will also feature time for questions at the end.
