The UK Government announced the launch of a new Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) last night, dubbing it the ‘central heating for cities’
As part of the UK Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, it will begin a new scheme ‘for consumers and non-domestic users’ in places such as hospitals, schools and council buildings.
The HNIP will have a £320million pot to draw from and will offer grants and loans to both the public and private sectors in England and Wales, for networks serving 2 or more buildings.
The government claims that it could lower consumer bills by as much as 30% while lowering carbon emissions.
In launching the scheme, the government pointed to the successful work already being done in Sheffield, where the city burns 12,000 tonnes of municipal waste each year as the main fuel source for its network.
Claire Perry, UK Energy Minister, said: “The UK has led in the decarbonisation of electricity, and today’s announcement shows we are just as committed to tackling heat.
“Today’s announcement creates a route to market for innovative energy projects across the country and demonstrates a key objective of the Clean Growth Strategy; to help deliver technologies that can lower bills, cut carbon and improve the quality of life for communities across the country.”
