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Stockport has been named as one of six town and cities in England to receive government funding to pilot low-carbon heat networks and reduce heating costs for homes and businesses.
Heat network zones will recycle the excess heat from industry and data centres to enable heating of several buildings at once. The scheme in Stockport will receive a share of £5.8 million of government funding, alongside similar projects in Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield, Plymouth and London, and is set to begin construction in 2026.
Heat network zones use data to identify the best locations and help to plan and build the technology at scale. They require suitable buildings, such as hotels and large offices, to connect when it is cost-effective for them to do so.
Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:
“Heat network zones will play an important part in our mission to deliver clean power for the country, helping us take back control of our energy security.
“As well as energy independence, they will support millions of businesses and building owners for years to come, with low-cost, low carbon heating – driving down energy bills.
“Tens of thousands of green jobs will be created across the country, and that’s why we’re investing in developing these fantastic and innovative projects – developing the first zones in cities and towns across England.“
Types of buildings that could connect to a network include homes that are already communally heated, and large non-domestic buildings over a certain size, such as hospitals, universities, hotels, supermarkets, and office blocks.
The six selected towns and cities are part of the government’s plan to accelerate the delivery of heat networks across England in areas where zones are likely to be designated in the future.
CEO of the Association for Decentralised Energy Caroline Bragg said:
“We are delighted to see government maintaining its support for the heat network sector.
“Heat network zones are crucial for a just transition for our communities – putting the UK on the lowest cost pathway to decarbonising our heat, attracting more than £3 of private investment for every £1 of public funding given and creating tens of thousands of local jobs.
“As we begin to deliver zoning at scale, it is crucial that the government and industry continue to work together to ensure heat networks can truly unleash their potential.“