The North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub is hosting new support helping local authorities to prepare for Heat Network Zoning.
Heat networks use insulated underground pipes to distribute heat from centralised sources to nearby buildings – removing the need for individual boilers or heaters in those buildings by utilising heat which would otherwise go to waste.
The Energy Act 2023 introduced Heat Network Zoning, which will see government and local authorities working together to designate areas where heat networks can provide the lowest cost, low carbon heating. Certain buildings within zones will then be required to connect to these networks.
Two of the first area eight areas where Heat Network Zoning will be implemented are in the North East and Yorkshire – in Leeds and Sheffield.
The North East and Yorkshire is already home to a wide range of innovative and successful Heat Network projects – including Gateshead’s District Energy Scheme, South Tyneside’s Viking project, and Leeds Pipes.
To support local areas with the introduction of Heat Network Zoning, the Local Net Zero Hubs will be hosting introduced dedicated zoning implementation support for local authorities as part of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s central programme of implementation support.
This support involves:
- Coordinating zoning communications to prepare local authorities for heat zoning
- Studying and raising awareness of local needs and supporting informed decision making which optimizes the use of local heat energy.
- Providing a link between local operations and national objectives – ensuring local activities align with broader strategic goals.
- Helping to plug gaps in local knowledge and preparedness for zoning.
More information about the support can be found here.
