uponor ecoflex heat distribution

District Heat Networks

What are District Heat Networks?

Quite simply, a district heat network can be described as being  "a network of pre-insulated pipes which supply hot water from an energy centre to an end users home, commercial property or any other multiple residency dwellings". The energy sources can vary, but they tend to be either a power station, biomass/biogas fueled boilers or a heat pump.

A larger district heat network can supply hot water to a whole community in an energy efficient way. For example, heat is not wasted along the network as supply can be directed towards an area in high demand. An overall network can be increased where necessary by adding more heat sources.

According to the Association of Decentralised Energy (ADE), there are over 17,000 heat networks in the UK and this figure is set to rise with the government committing over £320 million of funding in the next few years to grow heat networks.



Energy Plan provide a guide on how District Heating Schemes work

What are the benefits of District Heating Networks?

There are multiple benefits of District Heating Networks. Some of the key advantages are summarised below:

Useful resources about District Heating Systems

District Heating infographic

ADE infographic on heat networks

Understand the heat network market and potential benefits

PDF 97.32kB
ADE market report

ADE Market Report 2018

The ADE provide a report into heat networks within the UK

PDF 2.92MB

Did you know Uponor UK supply Pre-insulated pipes for District Heat Networks?

Connecting a Heat Interface Unit to pre-insulated pipe within a home can result in further energy savings