CREDIT: VEOLIA mechanisms that provide certainty, and stable regulatory frameworks.”
The road to district heating Buildings currently account for 37 % of the UK’ s CO₂ emissions through space heating, industrial heating and hot water provision. In the coming years, it is also expected that the need for cooling systems will rise drastically.
But Veolia estimates that if the government’ s 2050 target is met, district heating networks could help to deliver 15 million tonnes of carbon savings – enough to turn the dial on climate action significantly.
Gavin Graveson, Senior EVP for Veolia’ s Northern Europe Zone, believes the company can contribute to that journey given the right regulatory support from Westminster.
“ To encourage further investment in decarbonised heat in line with its 2050 targets, the government could use the UK Emissions Trading System to incentivise electricity producers to supply local heating networks,” he says.
“ Once the infrastructure is in place, the networks must also be fully utilised to optimise their profitability and carbon efficiency. Mandatory connections would guarantee operators stable demand.” energydigital. com 167