Dan Goodchild, project manager for 1Energy, discussed a heat network project that will provide low-carbon heat to areas with high population density. He stated that 70-80% of the heat will come from low-carbon sources, such as air source, water source, or data centre source heat pumps. However, he noted that gas may be used as a backup for “resilience purposes” during extremely cold periods or when the heat pumps require maintenance.
Nick Eyre, chair of the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership, praised the project, calling it “a good use of government money”. He emphasized the importance of heat networks in decarbonizing densely populated areas, particularly in Oxford, where many old heritage buildings are difficult to decarbonize. Eyre highlighted that heat networks will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions in these areas. The project aims to provide a sustainable and reliable heating solution, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a low-carbon future. With its focus on low-carbon heat sources, the project is a step towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.