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NETWORK / 21 / APRIL 2018 HEAT NET WORKS Heat network case studies from across the UK The Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) Market Report: heat networks in the UK, published in January, reveals there are now around 17,000 heat networks across the UK supplying c. 12,000 GWh to about half a million customers every year. This is up from the previous number of 2,000 schemes reported in 2013. Here, Network takes a closer look at some of these schemes to discover why heat networks are transforming how we heat our homes and businesses. Somers Town Energy The Somers Town Energy heat network has been providing low- carbon heat to 339 homes in four large Camden housing estates within the Somers Town area of Central Camden since 2015. Work to connect a further 184 dwellings started in March 2018 as part of phase two of the project. With vacant land at a premium in Camden, this heat network demonstrates creative thinking on the part of Somers Town. An under-used car park was identified in the local area, providing the team with the ideal location for the heat network energy centre. The upgrade works for the building were minimal, reducing the costs for the project, with a flue route seamlessly incorporated within the existing building facade to minimise the visual impact. A 500 metre heat network was constructed from this car park to meet residents' heat needs. The network has been designed with growth and expansion in mind. As part of the Borough's Community Investment Project, there are several developments in construction which will connect onto the network, with more planned for the near future. Phase two of the project will add a further 300 metres of heat network which will connect a further 184 dwellings. A 901kWe combined heat and power (CHP) engine will be installed within the energy centre to recover the waste heat created during the energy generation process which will be used to directly heat homes. This work will improve both the environmental and financial performance of the network. The operation of the network has helped to reduce residents' heating bills from pre-network levels, as well as supporting improvements to the local air quality from the removal of ageing high NOx boilers. All phases of the project have been delivered in conjunction with Vital Energi, who will continue to operate and maintain the network for the next 15 years. LO N D O N B O R O U G H O F C A M D E N