Heat Pumps Today

06 N E W S Heat network operators urged to take advantage of funding ahead of potential regulatory efficiency cap Heat network technology provider, Evinox is sign-posting heat network operators to access the Heat Network E ciency Scheme (HNES) – which is the part of Government’s Net Zero Commitment 2050 – while the funding is available, warning of potential regulatory implications in the coming years. The regulations are predicted to include a minimum standard of e ciency well in excess of current network performance. The HNES is a £32 million grant package which runs until 2025 o ering funds to applicants in the public, private, and third sector in England and Wales. The goal of the scheme is to fund improvements to district heating or communal heating systems that are currently ine cient or otherwise defective. It follows a successful pilot program which assisted 73 projects in finding cost-e ective enhancement options in addition to delivering upgrades to 37 heat networks. According to Evinox, most heat networks currently function at an average of between 30% and 40% e ciency which clearly demonstrates the need for significant improvements. By increasing the e ciency up to 65%, which Evinox says is readily achievable through some straightforward measures, the savings for a typical resident can be around £550 per annum and provide a reduction of 1,000kg of carbon emissions for each apartment. As a low-carbon method of heating multiple residences, heat networks are expected to go from providing 2% of the UK’s heat, to 18% by 2050. To progress towards this goal, heat network regulation is expected to come into e ect in early 2024. For more information and support with an application for HNES Funding contact at info@evinox.co.uk Secon appoints new Managing Director Renewables distributor Secon has appointed Chris Caldwell as Managing Director. He succeeds Kevin Carling, who takes on a new role as Group Chief Executive. Chris assumes day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of the Sunderland-based business, which is now in its 25th year. Kevin’s group role includes sister company AUK Heating and Cooling Distribution. Kevin said: “We have seen double-digit growth in the past three years, while turnover has more than doubled. We moved into our new 30,000 sq ft premises in late 2022 and have taken on more key sta . We are now preparing the business to more than double in size in the next five years.” Chris joined Secon in 2010 in a technical support role and was later promoted to Technical Sales Manager, before being appointed Sales Director in 2017. Paul Hind will continue as Operations Director, and Chris will be supported by Commercial Director Nigel Je erson and Head of New Build Simon Brown. www.seconrenewables.com June | July 2023 New Secon Managing Director Chris Caldwell, left, and Kevin Carling, who becomes Group Chief Executive Helen Evinox