Potential Heat Network Zones Mapped Out

Plans for the delivery of the heat network zoning regulations continue apace, despite the lack of a formal response from the Government to the consultation or a confirmed implementation date.

The initial outputs of the Zoning Pilot Program have been published by the Government in the form of zone maps which can be accessed via this link – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-network-zoning-maps. The maps broadly outline some areas where zones are anticipated and identify areas where initial zone connections are expected, i.e. locations of primary Energy Centres.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have implemented the Advanced Zoning Programme (AZP) to accelerate the delivery of heat networks within planned heat network zones. Whilst the AZP doesn’t have any regulatory weight, some planning authorities have begun to seek to implement policy to the same extent as the anticipated regulation to secure heat network connections within planned zones. Outside of this, planning authorities looking to extend heat networks in their areas may start using the spectre of regulation to attempt to force heat network connection.