Act Now to Secure HNES Funding to Meet Net Zero Targets

Carrier Commercial HVAC’s Service team is calling on those responsible for operating or managing district heat networks and communal heating systems in England and Wales to take advantage of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) before the funding expires. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

In the recent British Standards Institution (BSI)’s fourth annual ‘Net Zero Barometer’ survey, 96% of the UK businesses surveyed called for greater government support to help their organisation meet decarbonisation targets. With two rounds of funding left, Carrier Service is highlighting the opportunity to access some of the £32 million HNES fund before the latest round closes on 26th July 2024.

The HNES scheme provides funding to public, private and other sector applicants to support improvements such as improved controls, enhanced insulation, and improved monitoring to reduce network operating temperatures and reduce losses.

There are approximately 30 million buildings in the UK , which are responsible for around 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions. The vast majority of these emissions result from heating: 79% of buildings emissions and about 23% of all UK emissions.

With the UK Government Heat and Buildings Strategy stating that heat pumps and heat networks are proven scalable options for decarbonising heat, and the Climate Change Committee recommending that heat supply from heat networks should grow from the current 3% of the heat market to 20% to meet net zero targets, Carrier is committed to supporting the government and industry leaders to make net zero a reality.

Carrier’s service and modernisation team can provide technical guidance and assistance with maintenance, upgrades, and refurbishments of existing heating technology. Compressor upgrades and the installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) can improve the efficiency of equipment while reducing both carbon emissions and energy costs, enhancing the overall performance of the heat network.

“Leveraging HNES is a crucial step for heat network operators to reduce emissions and contribute to the UK's climate goals,” said Carl Hendrick, Modernisation Manager, Carrier Commercial HVAC Service UK and Ireland. “Making improvements to heat networks will not only increase efficiency, but it will also provide a low-cost source of heating for homes and businesses connected to the network. At Carrier, we are committed to supporting these efforts with our advanced HVAC solutions, expertise in modernisation and lifecycle asset management.”

The BSI surveyed more than 1,000 senior decision-makers from UK businesses of all sizes and multiple sectors. The survey found that 83% of firms are committed to achieving the UK’s legally binding net zero emissions target. However, almost half (47%) of firms cite cost as a major obstacle to them being able to commit to achieving net zero by 2050.

Round seven of the HNES launched on 23rd March 2024 and applications will close on 26th July 2024. To start an application, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-network-efficiency-scheme-hnes.

Heat pumps and heat networks are proven scalable options for decarbonising heat.