These regional heat network reports, prepared by ACE-Research, offer strategic insights for expanding sustainable heat infrastructure across nine areas in the UK. Each report provides a tailored analysis for potential heat network growth, estimating capital investment, infrastructure needs, and sectoral demand to support local net-zero targets. By modelling various scenarios—from low to high ambition—the reports underscore the critical role of zoning, early investment, and public-private collaboration in achieving decarbonisation goals by 2050. They serve as a roadmap for Combined Authorities aiming to develop resilient, low-carbon energy systems across sectors.

East Midlands Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
This report assesses the East Midlands’ potential for heat network expansion, projecting a need for £18 billion in investment under high-growth scenarios to meet an anticipated increase in demand by 2050. ACE-Research modelled scenarios based on EPC data to predict heat demand for new and retrofit buildings, calculating the infrastructure and funding required to accommodate rapid expansion. The study provides a framework for regional stakeholders, highlighting the pivotal role of early investment in sustainable heat distribution to achieve decarbonisation objectives.

Greater Manchester Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
To support Greater Manchester’s 2038 net-zero target, ACE-Research’s report anticipates an investment of £18 billion to expand heat networks. The study examines regional capacity, outlining public and private sector commitments required for network success. It also projects significant carbon reductions through connecting non-domestic and residential buildings to a sustainable heat network, with detailed scenarios for varying levels of ambition. The model emphasises the need for immediate action to accelerate investment and infrastructure in line with Greater Manchester’s climate targets.

Liverpool City Region Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
In Liverpool, the report suggests up to £12 billion in investments to advance heat network infrastructure, allowing for significant capacity increases by 2050. ACE-Research’s scenario modelling considers zoning, private sector involvement, and public investment strategies as levers to reduce emissions. The report estimates demand across new and existing buildings, providing insights into optimal timelines and cost breakdowns, with an emphasis on aligning development with local climate commitments. It underscores the economic benefits for Liverpool from early network expansion and energy-efficient retrofits.

North East Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
The North East Combined Authority’s heat network potential could see growth by over 85 times, with investments totalling £11.5 billion by 2050. ACE-Research used regional data to develop scenarios of high, medium, and low ambition, focusing on the infrastructure required to transition public and private buildings to low-carbon heating. This model highlights the critical impact of funding and zoning on project timelines and the scale of achievable carbon reductions, providing guidance for local government and businesses to accelerate heat decarbonisation.

North Yorkshire Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
In North Yorkshire, ACE-Research estimates a £1.7 billion investment could drive heat network growth by over 60 times to meet demand by 2050. The report details the impact of decarbonising non-domestic buildings and increasing residential connections to heat networks. Using EPC and other public data, ACE-Research modelled scenarios for newbuild and retrofit infrastructure expansion, offering a roadmap for stakeholders to understand the financial and environmental implications of timely investment. Early action is shown to be essential to maximising public sector building retrofits.

South Yorkshire Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
South Yorkshire’s heat network report explores scenarios to raise network capacity by 100 times, with an estimated £9.4 billion investment. ACE-Research’s model prioritises the expansion of public and large non-domestic buildings, projecting the cost and infrastructure demands for each scenario. The study illustrates how delayed investment could hinder network growth, whereas early action would facilitate extensive heat distribution improvements across sectors. This strategic roadmap aims to guide South Yorkshire’s approach to large-scale retrofitting, public sector involvement, and sustainable growth.

Tees Valley Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
The Tees Valley could attract £5 billion in investment, expanding its heat network capacity over 86 times by 2050. ACE-Research’s report examines both immediate and delayed approaches, outlining the demand and infrastructure needed to meet decarbonisation targets. Focusing on public and private non-domestic buildings, the scenarios provide detailed forecasts of capital costs, projected demand, and pipework requirements. This analysis supports stakeholders in understanding the cost-benefit of early action and the impact of potential zoning policies on future heating needs.

West Midlands Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
For the West Midlands, ACE-Research predicts a £7 billion investment to enable network growth by over 19 times, focusing on connecting public and private buildings. This report’s scenarios evaluate the infrastructure and capital necessary under varied ambition levels, providing cost estimates and pipework requirements. The model includes the role of retrofitting for existing properties, estimating how early action could align with the region’s 2050 targets. The findings underscore the potential for significant emissions reductions through optimised zoning and targeted public-sector partnerships.

West Yorkshire Heat Network Growth Curve & Supply Chain Modelling
ACE-Research’s projections for West Yorkshire suggest a £14.7 billion investment could increase heat network capacity by 17 times, focusing on a balanced mix of public and non-domestic buildings. The report details the projected demand for heat distribution by 2050, with potential carbon savings through network expansions. The analysis provides local authorities with a financial roadmap to engage with zoning policies and public investment in network infrastructure, enhancing long-term value and resilience through sustainable heat options for the region.

Each of these reports by ACE-Research provides detailed growth and financial models to support regional Combined Authorities in planning effective, scalable heat network expansion in pursuit of net-zero targets.