Triple Point’s Ken Hunnisett shares the key standouts from the government’s Warm Homes Plan

Triple Point’s Ken Hunnisett shares the key standouts from the government’s Warm Homes Plan

The Government’s Warm Homes Plan, published today, sets out a clear, long-term ambition for district heating underpinned by some hugely encouraging commitments to communities, consumers and investors.

A few elements stand out for the sector:

• Long-term capital support is assured. The Warm Homes Plan confirms continued funding for the Triple Point managed Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) until 2029/30, helping unlock investment in low-carbon heat networks and expand delivery at pace.
• The Plan points to the role of Market Transformation Commitments within the Fund using government support to promote open procurement and better data sharing with the supply chain resulting in greater transparency and increased competition that together will drive significant value for money.
• Greater certainty through zoning. Heat network zoning from 2026 is a major signal to the market, giving towns and cities clearer pathways to develop networks in the places where they are the most affordable option.
• A step towards “utility-grade” delivery. The Plan also points to installation and maintenance licensing, designed to give heat networks similar rights and powers to other key utilities — a potentially game-changing move for delivery confidence, investor confidence,  consistency and scale.

Ken Hunnisett, Head of Clean Heat at Triple Point commented:

“So much more than a funding commitment – vitally important though that is – the Warm Homes Plan showcases a number of practical enablers to unlock the potential of district heating in the UK. An installation and maintenance licensing regime is a critically important first step in levelling the playing field with other utilities, while the commitment to “explore all options to enable green heat networks to offer heat at a price that is comparable with gas boilers” will excite industry, investors and consumer groups in equal measures.”