The Government has announced the local authorities across England and Wales who will get a share of more than £2.1 million for low carbon heating projects.

The funding is part of the Heat Networks Delivery Unit which aims to provide heating to local homes and businesses through projects that use low carbon technologies such as energy-from-waste facilities.

Heat networks supply heat generated from a central source to a number of buildings and is supplied through a system of insulated pipes. Heat production at a communal, rather than an individual scale, is said to be more energy efficient, delivering carbon savings and reducing consumers bills.

The winning councils will also get commercial and technical support and guidance, including assistance in developing business plans to help attract commercial investment to supply heat efficiently and cost-effectively.

Energy Minister Greg Barker said: “Heat networks are a defining part of our smarter, cleaner energy future. Local authorities are looking at innovative ways to supply low carbon heat to a range of buildings such as multi-storey apartments, office buildings and social housing.”

DECC estimates around 15% of UK heat demand could be cost effectively met by heat networks by 2030 and around 40% by 2050.

• funding, heating, Low Carbon