This September, we had the privilege of hosting stakeholders from across the heating industry for our in-person HNES Project Showcase Event. Held at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre, the event spotlighted the successes of HNES-funded projects, inspiring future applicants to tap into the scheme.
It was held against a backdrop of the scheme’s incredible achievements so far. We’ve provided a total of £32 million to 200 heat network projects, benefitting over 41,000 residents.
Reflecting on our HNES Project Showcase Event
The energy in the room was brilliant. A strong turnout attended, eager to share their insights and hear from those already benefitting from HNES funding. Speakers from three HNES funded projects shared their journeys with listeners. Their presentations offered inspiration, learnings, and practical advice to potential future applicants. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also gave an overview on the policy landscape for heat networks , particularly in the context of a new government. Gemserv also provided an overview of HNES to date and what has already been achieved. The second half of the event focused on upcoming regulations and standards. Gemserv and Ramboll provided valuable insight into upcoming technical regulations and zoning policies aimed at creating a thriving, high standard heat network market.
Thought-provoking discussions
Following the presentations, a thought-provoking roundtable discussion unfolded. Attendees were encouraged to consider the opportunities and challenges created by upcoming regulations. The discussion explored how HNES can help organisations meet regulations and what changes could be made to the scheme to provide a more seamless process for applicants. This collaborative workshop saw the exchange of ideas and perspectives on the future of heat networks, and the crucial role HNES can play.
The impact of HNES: What attendees had to say
The event made one thing clear – HNES is driving meaningful change. Heat network owners and operators are reaping the benefits of addressing underperformance and ensuring ongoing compliance. The feedback was wholly positive on the application process. Comments included how the HNES application process can be far simpler than other government grant schemes. For social housing providers and other public and private sector landlords, the scheme offers a lifeline for tenants. It can improve living conditions and reduce energy consumption, especially for organisations with limited budgets.
Attendees often mentioned that optimisation studies funded by HNES are a useful tool. This is especially true for older heat networks that lack monitoring capabilities. Housing associations also found these studies useful in seeking inefficiencies and informing capital grant applications. Speakers shared success stories of how tenant costs and energy consumption have drastically reduced, while improved metering and billing infrastructure has meant landlords can more accurately calculate energy bills. The consensus was that investing in efficiency improvements now is far more cost effective than dealing with the long-term consequences of inaction, such as frequent heat outages, property damage and tenant complaints.
Roundtable insights: navigating upcoming regulation
A key focus of the event was the discussion around upcoming regulations. Attendees welcomed the presentations on the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) and Heat Network Zoning legislation. HNTAS will provide a framework for designing and maintaining heat networks to protect consumers and support the growth of low carbon networks, setting minimum standards of performance and reliability. Zoning legislation will designate ‘heat network zones’. These are areas where certain buildings must connect to a heat network as the lowest cost, low carbon heating and cooling solution.
Opportunities
Attendees were generally optimistic about regulatory changes. Many saw them as the catalyst for driving up standards across the industry. Higher quality, more reliable and lower carbon heating systems in future homes and buildings are on the horizon. To advance their success, a standardised code of practice will ensure consistency between larger and smaller heat networks alike. There was also enthusiasm for improved metering standards. These will allow energy demand to be more effectively spread across off-peak hours, further reducing energy bills for consumers.
Challenges
Challenges of upcoming regulations were also raised at the event, with attendees voicing their concerns about the capital costs and tight deadlines associated with meeting the new standards. Internal resourcing was also flagged as a potential bottleneck. Another critical challenge discussed was general consumer awareness for heat networks, particularly in areas where connection to a heat network will become mandatory as a result of zoning policies. It was added that raising understanding of the benefits and requirements for heat networks will be essential for tenants and homeowners. Attendees pointed out that clear guidance and effective signposting will be crucial to ensuring a smooth transition as these regulations come into force.
Key takeaways from the event
Our HNES Project Showcase Event created a valuable space for stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas and explore how HNES is helping to shape the future of heat networks. The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration and idea-sharing in creating energy-efficient, future-proof systems that meet both regulatory demands and the needs of residents. The Gemserv team thoroughly enjoyed making the event happen and would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day.
If you would like to find out more about HNES, visit our website or email hnes@gemserv.com for any queries about the scheme or any of the upcoming heat network rules and regulations.
