International review of heat network market frameworks : rapid evidence assessment, regulatory document review, and qualitative interviews

UK and Scottish Governments are both considering regulatory frameworks for heat networks. BEIS has committed to establishing an effective long term market framework, to ensuring sufficient consumer protections, growing investment in the sector and maximising the potential for decarbonisation. In order to inform the development of a regulatory framework, BEIS has commissioned this work on international experiences. There are two types of Heat Network. The first is communal heating, in which all dwellings within a single building are supplied by a central heating system. The second is District Heating, where heat is produced from a central source and delivered through a network to multiple buildings or sites. Buildings could be residential, public or commercial use or some combination of these. The main focus of this research has been regulatory structures for District Heating.