Decarbonising Existing Heat Networks Without Future Homes Standard Clarity

Decisions on heat network decarbonisation plans are being made in the absence of clarity on the content and timing of the introduction of the Future Homes Standard (FHS).

Particularly important is the approach to ‘sleeving’ of new low carbon plant to the relevant new development phases. The consultation based this on the kW capacity of new plant, as opposed to the annual kWh output. This would result in a greater amount of new plant being required, whilst providing little carbon benefit. This is an item that may change for the final version of the FHS.

Delaying decarbonisation plans awaiting finalising of the FHS may not be possible and designing to the worst case could be costly. We therefore advise considering both approaches and designing for the lower but with a contingency plan for expanding this to the higher amount. This will vary between projects, but should consider reserving space and utility capacity, etc.