The number of completed community heating schemes in the UK might not be huge compared to on the continent, but are things about to change in 2015?

Community heating, sometimes known as district heating, is by no means a new invention. Pioneered in 1877 in New York, community heating is a simple concept which allows hot water to be distributed to consumers via a buried network of highly insulated pipes from one or more centralised sources.

Here in the UK it’s been around since as early as the 1950s, but after years of slipping under the radar, stronger legislative support and a new generation of schemes has brought community heating back into the mainstream and 2015 looks set to be the year that community heating schemes make a triumphant comeback.

Lessons from Europe

Concerns about energy prices, supply and security are now putting community heating schemes at the heart of policymakers’ concerns about keeping the nation heated this year. With European countries such as Denmark making a strong case for community heating schemes as a way to improve energy security, reduce fuel imports, lower carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty, the UK is warming towards decentralised energy.

Energy supply concerns mean the UK needs to reduce their reliance on national infrastructure and instead make use of the high volume of heat being wasted across its towns and cities.

There is enough heat wasted in London alone to meet 70% of the city’s heating demands, prompting the Mayor to set a target of supplying 25% of London’s energy demand from decentralised sources by 2025. The London Heat Map demonstrates exactly where this heat is wasted, allowing opportunities for community heating schemes to be identified.

The ball is already rolling - as well as the successful Olympic Park network built for London 2012, London will soon be home to three high-profile new community heating schemes including the King’s Cross development, the Citigen scheme in the City of London and a new lease of life for one of the UK’s first community heating schemes at Pimlico and Whitehall.

The growth in community heating is not limited to the capital, though. Successful community  heating schemes are running all over the UK, and plans are in hand for more than 150 new schemes.

Support from the Government

European legislation in the form of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) has already outlined a requirement for all planning proposals to consider community heating. An increased awareness of the benefits of community heating schemes has borne fruit within the UK in the shape of government initiatives and the imminent launch of a code of practice on their installation from the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE, formerly the CHPA).

Heat Networks Delivery Unit

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have launched the Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU), which will offer funding and guidance to local authorities developing heat networks as part of the Government’s decarbonisation strategy. Support is available for up to 67% of the costs of heat mapping, energy master planning, feasibility studies and detailed project development. DECC’s Energy Investment Report states that 91 Local Authorities have been awarded with almost £7 million in grant funding, to support £10 million of heat network development studies in the coming year.

The Independent Heat Customer Protection Scheme

The Independent Heat Customer Protection Scheme (IHCPS) is a new initiative which aims to protect the interests of householders and micro businesses connected to heat networks, allowing customers and consumer groups to have their say on community heating scheme proposals through a consultation process.

Renewable Heat Incentive

The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a long-term support scheme for those who generate and use renewable energy to heat their buildings. A community heating scheme powered by one of the supported renewable heating types such as Combined Heat and Power could be eligible for financial support from the scheme.

A more efficient future

Community heating ticks all the boxes in terms of improving energy security, lowering carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty by using fuels more efficiently. Strong Government backing coupled with concerns about rising gas prices means 2015 looks set to be the year that community heating makes a comeback.

With housing providers and local authorities able to profit from government funding and initiatives to meet heat network targets, there has never been a better time to consider a community heating scheme. By taking inspiration from Europe, the UK can develop and improve heat networks, using heat that would otherwise be wasted to bring more affordable heating to businesses and residents and reduce carbon emissions in the process.

Find out exactly what makes up a community heating scheme. Get your free eGuide now: The core components of a community heating scheme