Welcome Energy analyses the viability of heat pumps in decarbonising London buildings and how this technology could lend itself to district heating schemes further down the line.
“The framework has to ensure that consumer protection is key and take learnings from the energy sectors”
Laura Nell, Head of Future Retail Market Design at Ofgem
While it is still a fairly novel combination in the UK, the marriage of heat pumps with district heat networks has a long track record of success elsewhere in Europe.
There are major obstacles to overcome in combining the two, particularly the disparity of their operating temperatures. Heat networks typically operate at 80°C, however there are several means to circumvent this obstacle. Several heat pumps operating in concert over a narrower temperature range for example, as well as the their seasonal use to raise water source temperatures during the colder months.
Given the government’s recent announcement of a £40m heat networks scheme, part of which will be set up in London, it seems that Sadiq Khan plans to emulate the success of mainland Europe.
The potential for carbon savings, given the dominance of building heating in the accounting of London’s carbon footprint, becomes unprecedented when the integration of the two technologies is considered.
As such, the opportunity and pressure to integrate heat pumps, and subsequently heat networks, will only increase over time. Welcome Energy specialises in attending the needs of firms and property owners that wish to take advantage of district heating technology.
Welcome Energy offers provides comprehensive guidance on automatic meter reading and regulatory compliance as well as a stress-free billing services characterised by its flexibility, transparency and simplicity. To find out more about this offering, Welcome Energy can be contacted by phone on 020 3744 9518 or email us at help@welcomeenergy.co.uk.