A workshop held on 6 June 2023, saw REHAU bring together district heating experts to discuss industry challenges and solutions. Topics covered included government funding, incoming heat network zoning, the Heat Network Technology Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), and best practice in design and installation of heat networks.
Keynote speakers included representatives from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, Fairheat, Therma-Mech, Switch2 and Sustainable Energy. Two interactive panel sessions allowed delegates to ask speakers their opinions on a variety of topics.
Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing & Technical at at REHAU Building Solutions said he was “very pleased with how the industry is reacting to some big challenges, and how positive the future looks for district heating.”
Of particular interest to delegates seemed to be the upcoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), currently in development. “Everyone recognises that there are some underperforming projects so the increased emphasis on quality assurance can only be a good thing,” said Steve.
He offered a few other takeaways from the event:
“The UK district heating market momentum is clearly building – the capital funding is there, zoning is coming and policies such as the Future Homes Standard will help drive demand from developers.”
“There was a good debate about how we both increase the number of trained contractors to install pipes but also ensure the high quality of pipe installations. Our new Clip-Flex system should go some way to solving both these challenges.”
“There is a fine line between designing for future heat network capacity versus the risk of oversizing networks and the risk if that capacity never connects.”
“There was an interesting question about how clients view district heating and it’s higher complexity versus installing gas boilers in each property and what can be done to educate clients and address any potential concerns they have.”
REHAU’s event also saw the launch of the new Clip-Flex shroud system, which the firm says
“revolutionises the shroud market in that it gives up to 22.5° range of motion in all directions, allowing pipework to be angled as per the demands of the project, giving contractors far greater flexibility on site. This makes shroud installation easier and quicker than ever before.”
For more information about REHAU and its district heating solutions, visit www.rehau.uk/districtheating
The “Building a Greener Future: Delivering High-Quality Heat Networks” workshop was held on 6 June.
