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:
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