Allocated as Round 5 of the scheme, the funding aims to improve the efficiency of heat networks for the benefit of 8,492 residents and various other private and public sector organisations.

The funds in this round bring the total awarded by HNES to over £30 million. This time, 24 organisations will receive support, totalling £3.2 million for 33 heat networks across the country.

Almost 2,000 residents will benefit from direct efficiency upgrades to their heat networks.

An additional 6,500 residents, hospitals, universities, and public sector institutions are set to benefit from optimisation studies. These studies will identify additional areas for improvement that reduce energy bills, reduce energy consumption, and minimise customer detriment.

An optimisation study for a heat network serving the Ministry of Defence is included in this funding round, and will identify areas where Wellington Barracks can improve its efficiency levels.

The impact of this funding extends beyond financial benefits, according to the government. The improvements planned for the 33 heat networks included in this funding round are expected to save in CO2 emissions the equivalent of taking 938 diesel cars off the road each year.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “From Lancaster University to the British Army’s Wellington Barracks, heat networks are playing an important role in reducing energy use and cutting the UK’s emissions.

“It’s fantastic that over 8,000 residents will now see improvements to their heating and hot water supply thanks to support from our Heat Network Efficiency Scheme, with over £30 million now awarded.”

Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv, said: “As of today, HNES has awarded over £30 million to existing heat networks in England and Wales to optimise their efficiency levels so they’re fit for decades to come.

“Not only this, but today’s announcement is the first to show how HNES funded revenue studies can then lead to tangible improvements funded through capital applications.

“Optimisation studies, unlocked by revenue grant funding, are crucial to help identify and inform heat network operators of the opportunities that exist to improve a heat network’s efficiency levels. We are delighted to be supporting projects all the way through from study to implementation.”

The project selected this time are:

  • Isleden House - City of London Corporation
  • Gospel Oak Royal Free Hospital (RFH) Waste Connection - London Borough of Camden
  • Holmleigh Court - Wandsworth Council
  • Glamis Estate - East End Homes Ltd
  • Vega - Southern Housing
  • Lancaster Campus District Heat Network - Lancaster University
  • The Williams Building
  • Seager Place
  • Coventry City Council, for the One Friargate and Council House heat networks.
  • London Borough of Camden, for the Netley heat network.
  • Invicta Rentals Limited, for the Orchard Park – Holbeach House heat network.
  • Radius RTM Company Limited, for the Radius Development heat network.
  • RMB 102 Limited, for the Gooch House and Park Central heat networks.
  • LTR (Victoria Point) Limited, for the Victoria Point heat network.
  • Medway NHS Foundation Trust, for the Medway NHS Foundation Trust heat network.
  • Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, for the RUH District Heating Network.
  • University of East Anglia, for the UEA heat network.
  • University of Warwick, for the 20km University of Warwick heat network.
  • A2Dominion Housing Group Limited, for the Barrington Court heat network.
  • The British Army, for the Wellington Barracks heat network.
  • Cambridge Cohousing Ltd, for the Common House and Apartment Block heat network.