ABOUT HEATNET NWE

The project aims to develop and test 6 local district heating and cooling networks (DHC) in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, and will result in 15,000 t CO₂ saved per annum at its end.

Objectives

The overall objective is to introduce and demonstrate the 4th generation DHC (4DHC) in NWE. This is a low-temperature distribution system that minimises heat loss, integrates energy storage and renewable energy sources, and supplies multiple low energy buildings.

The concept requires the development of new institutional and organizational frameworks.

The main outputs of the project are:

1. A transferrable HeatNet model for the implementation of 4DHC schemes in NWE;
2.  Six functioning pilot district heating networks across North-West Europe – located in the UK (Aberdeen and Plymouth), Ireland (South Dublin), Belgium (Kortrijk), the Netherlands (Heerlen) and France (Boulogne-sur-Mer) – which have developed, tested and demonstrated the HeatNet model;
3. Six Transition Roadmaps – one per pilot area – which outline the project partners’ experience in developing six district heating pilots and will cover areas such as the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, regulation and policies, spatial planning, business models and viability, and connection to finance and markets;
4. Promotion and fostering of the HeatNet model in NWE through the Transition Roadmaps, to secure wide and long-term impact.