South Shropshire Housing Association and Kensa Heat Pumps have completed an off-gas heating retrofit programme featuring ground source heat pumps in rural properties in Cleobury, Shropshire.

Uniquely, the rural two-site project accesses two streams of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); St Mary’s Close features Kensa’s shared ground loop system, qualifying for the Non-Domestic RHI and ECO, while College Close features individual ground arrays per property to receive the Domestic RHI. All properties have their own Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump.

Kensa Heat Pumps’ contracting division, Kensa Contracting, was appointed principal contractor for the £500,000 heating upgrade. The scheme comprises the replacement of ageing electric storage heating in 22 bungalows, one flat, a communal room with general needs, and eight houses.

Bernard Quinn, Investment Manager for South Shropshire Housing Association, said: "Feedback has been very positive as there is general dissatisfaction with electric storage and solid fuel heating systems – residents welcome the opportunity to have new controllable and affordable central heating systems in their homes.

"We were an early adopter of air and ground source heating. It’s been a key part of our affordable warmth strategy for the last eight years."

So far it’s estimated that the Group has saved its tenants nearly a quarter of a million pounds in their heating bills. This project contributes to a total of more than 280 renewable heating installations at 42 locations across Shropshire, where fuel poverty is always high on the agenda.”

More details on the case study can be found here.