A new report has called for a coordinated policy approach to overcome barriers for unlocking the full potential of recoverable heat through the heat network sector.
The Recoverable Heat in Heat Networks report warns that the energy that may otherwise go to waste from nuclear and data centres, remains an under-used low-carbon resource.
Heat networks currently meet just 3% of the UK’s heat demand, with the government forecasting an increase to 7% by 2035 and to 20% by 2050. This could happen as networks move from largely unregulated infrastructure to a strategic route for decarbonising heat in towns and cities.
The report highlights four key issues that it claims to be preventing wider recovery. This includes lack of commercial incentives and need for further support in coordination.
It calls for distinct business models for high-grade heat, expanding the UK Emissions Trading System to include energy-from-waste plants from 2028 and maintaining Green Heat Network Funding for infrastructure that connects recoverable heat sources in heat network zones.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN