The ability to heating homes while reducing our carbon footprint could be accelerated through an innovation from UK Power Networks.
It comes as UK Power Networks has joined forces with Arup, Environmental Resources Management and Bring Energy (who own and operate the East London Energy Distribution Heat Network) to launch HeatScape.
The project will map where heat networks exist today, predict where they’re likely to grow, and estimate how much electricity they’ll need under different scenarios.
Building on the earlier Flex Heat Networks initiative, HeatScape combines datasets, advanced modelling, and real-world insights to give a detailed picture of how electrified heat networks will interact with the grid.
By integrating this information into UK Power Networks’ Strategic Forecasting System, the project will enable more informed decisions on how to prepare and adapt the electricity network for the future.
The project will also explore more flexible management of heat networks, for example, by using thermal storage to reduce peak electricity demand.
HeatScape will work with Bring Energy’s customers to explore their interest in energy flexibility, as well as support the adoption of low-carbon technologies, helping to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Luca Grella, head of innovation at UK Power Networks, said:
“Decarbonising heat is one of the biggest opportunities we have to create a cleaner, more efficient energy future. With HeatScape, we’re taking a proactive approach, working with our partners to understand where heat networks will grow and how they’ll interact with the grid.
“By combining data, modelling and customer insights, we can plan smarter, reduce costs and make sure the transition to low-carbon heating benefits everyone.”
Stephen Hutchins, concession director at Bring Energy, said:
“As operators of East London Energy, one of the UK’s largest heat networks, Bring Energy see first-hand the importance of forward-looking, data-driven planning in the shift to low-carbon heat. HeatScape will give us a clearer picture of how and where heat networks are likely to grow, and what that means for our electricity infrastructure.
“We’re excited to be partnering with an industry leader in innovation like UK Power Networks to explore new ways to make heat networks more flexible, including smarter use of thermal storage. We believe this collaborative project will help accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy systems for communities across the UK.”
Image courtesy of UK Power Networks
