The UK government has announced its plans to expand the number of homes with smart heating systems to help meet the country’s renewable energy goals.
The expansion will see an additional 1 million households connected to heat networks by 2035, in addition to the 12 million already connected today. Heat networks use recycled heat from industries, sewage plants, and power stations, and distribute it directly to homes and businesses via underground pipes.
This reduces reliance on fossil fuels such as natural gas and oil, which are used in more traditional heating systems such as boilers and radiators.
Heat Networks Can Save Hundreds on Heating Bills
If you live in a house or apartment, then heat is essential to your everyday living. It’s also an expensive commodity. In the UK alone, billions of pounds are spent heating residential and commercial properties every year.
Fortunately, newer technologies are making it easier than ever before for people to save on their heating bills — all while they remain warm and comfortable. The latest form of heating technology available is known as a heat network. Heat networks can be built over time if properly planned out, allowing them to last longer than traditional methods that don’t always last as long as expected.
Heat from nearby buildings (like a school or hospital) can be used during off-peak hours when everyone isn’t using air conditioning and warming themselves up at once; these excess resources can then be utilised by other homes, thus maximising utility usage all around.
Heat network systems don’t require homeowners to make any changes to their current property either: They can simply tap into existing infrastructure already set up by heat networks and benefit from cheaper utilities all around without having to do much work themselves!
Heat Networks Cut Carbon Emissions
Heat networks are a way of distributing heating evenly across an area and can be used to generate renewable energy.
The UK government recently announced plans for a series of new heat network projects, including over 150 miles (240km) worth in Manchester alone. A big part of their appeal is that they can significantly cut carbon emissions and help households save money on their bills.
Green energy is no longer just about solar panels and wind turbines — heat grids are increasingly becoming part of our arsenal against climate change, as well.
Heat networks are an essential technology for cutting carbon emissions in a cost-effective way while reducing bills and tackling fuel poverty, forming a key part of the government’s landmark.
Government Commits £19 Billion for Renewable Heat Targets
The UK Government announced a £19 million government cash boost announced to supply low carbon heating for thousands of homes and buildings across the country.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Davey said: “I’m committed to a massive expansion in renewable heat, which will create more jobs and business opportunities, while making our country greener and more secure.
“Our £19 billion programme has already helped reduce household bills by almost £70 on average – but there is still work to do. With all parts of government working together we can go further than ever before in improving our energy security, creating jobs and helping hard-working families.”
The investment for fuel efficiency, renewable energy, and low carbon innovation in microgeneration will help people make their homes more energy efficient by installing things like solid wall insulation and loft or cavity wall insulation.
It will also support them in making their properties warmer by installing a renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers, solar thermal water heating panels or underfloor heating.
In addition it aims to help local businesses increase productivity and save money by providing them with innovative finance support to install small scale combined heat and power plants – which generate electricity and hot water from a single source.
Heat Network Installation Boosts UK Economy by £2.5bn
A new report from Ofgem and Imperial College London has revealed that investment in energy network infrastructure has helped boost UK productivity by £2.5bn a year and support almost 30,000 jobs over five years.
The research shows that funding for heat and electricity networks has also made a significant contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by reducing demand for gas.
Our team of experts can talk you through the importance of energy efficient heating and the solutions available to you.
As the world becomes more energy conscious it is important to do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint; but to also future proof your home.
There are a range of renewable energy solutions available; which in the long run will benefit your household and your pocket.