Futures Close Heat Programme (FC Heat)

Futures Close Heat Programme (FC Heat)

Status: Live
Reference: NGN_NIA_426
Lead Network: NGN - North East
Start Date: 01 January 2025
End Date: 01 September 2027
Budget: £1,062,783.00
Funding Mechanism: Network Innovation Allowance
Technology: Carbon Emission Reduction Technologies, Demand Side Management, Environmental, Heat Pumps, Hydrogen, Measurement, Modelling, Poverty, Resilience
Collaborating Networks: Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities
Project Partners: HHIC and members including Vaillant Group, Worcester Bosh, Group Atlantic and Baxi will provide all boilers, controls, wiring, cylinders and heat pump systems at zero cost to aid this research and development programme. In terms of capital expenditure (CapEx), the total value of equipment provided ‘in-kind’, by partners is estimated to be between £250,000-£325,000. (23/24 prices). Leeds Beckett University have been approached to conduct Heat Transfer Coefficient analysis of the homes at a reduced rate due to the academic value of the data emerging from the study. They have offered to reduce the market rate by £35,000. BlockDox have been procured following an EIC led challenge to provide independent verification of the data from each test regime including an analysis to extrapolate how the findings from each test apply to the wider English housing stock.

Abstract

To reach our national net zero targets by 2050, we need to decarbonise approximately 25 million homes in England. Domestic heating accounts for approximately 14% of the UKs entire emissions and significant investment is required to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock. In addition, there are major challenges associated with domestic decarbonisation: England has the most diverse housing stock in the UK. with 35% built before the end of WWII. Sixty-four percent are owner-occupied, and these homeowners need to have a good, cost effective and efficient experience of home and heating upgrade as we move towards zero carbon homes. Implementing heating upgrades to this ageing housing stock requires a ‘whole house’ approach therefore, consideration must be given to the building fabric and heating system. Retrofitting existing homes with electric heating systems or deployment of green hydrogen boilers offer potential solutions however, the intricacies of deployment and installation are complex, further research and development is required to learn more about installation, performance of various heating options. Doing so will inform future domestic decarbonisation strategies.

The programme and test regimes within it will produce a wealth of data related to the performance of each heating system (Natural Gas, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Heat Pumps) and their suitability to different archetypes. The impact of various fabric improvements such as insulation, glazing and heating controls will also be assessed providing reliable, independently verified data sets.

Findings from each test regime will be scaled up to national level enabling us to build cross vector (natural gas, Hydrogen, hydrogen, and electricity) energy demand scenarios and forecasts. The impact of installing heating controls and adjusting flow rates will be assessed, providing data and intelligence to inform future domestic decarbonisation strategies. All reports will be published, data used to inform reports will be provided in an ‘open data’ format, providing it free to use by other research establishments.

Quarterly newsletters will provide cyclical updates on progress and, where appropriate, share indicative findings from the programme. A series of videos will bring the installation process to life, illustrating levels of disruption required whilst inviting those involved in installation and commissioning the opportunity to share insights and good practice.

NGN will work alongside the Heating and Hot water Industry Council (IHHC) and other industry bodies to disseminate programme findings. NGN anticipate findings will be of great interest to a wide range of audiences including gas, electricity and water networks, academia, trade bodies, charities, housing bodies and policy makers. With this target audience in mind, all outputs from the research will be presented at various conferences and trade shows such as:

Utility Week Live
Energy Networks Association (ENA) [Forums and Annual Energy Innovation Summit]
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
National Energy Action (NEA) Fuel Poverty Forums.

NGN is also a member of the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) and Chartered institute of Heating and Plumbing Engineers (CIHPE) membership will be used disseminate key industry outcomes and learnings.

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2025-02-27