By Design Tech Solutions — Aligning Carbon Goals with Capital Support

Introduction: Make the Design Fundable, Not Just Functional

Securing government funding can make or break a heat network project. Whether through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP), or Low-Carbon Energy Infrastructure (LEVI), success depends on selecting the right technologies and proving their impact.

At DTS, we design generation systems that meet both technical needs and funding criteria — balancing carbon, cost, and compliance from day one.

Technologies Commonly Supported by Funding Bodies

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Air & Ground Source Heat Pumps
Often the cornerstone of funded low-carbon networks, especially when paired with low-temperature design.

Solar Thermal Arrays
Recognised for renewable heat contribution — often scored favourably in BREEAM or PSDS evaluations.

Waste Heat Recovery
Using rejected energy from cooling systems or industry improves carbon performance and scheme eligibility.

Hybrid Systems (e.g. Heat Pump + Gas Backup)
Accepted where carbon savings are proven, and gas is used only for peak or resilience.

Thermal Storage
Helps improve system efficiency and supports load-shifting, making it attractive in funding submissions.

What Funders Look For

  • Demonstrable Carbon Reduction
    Tech must show measurable savings over baseline or previous setup.

  • Lifecycle Efficiency
    Long-term operational performance and energy efficiency are key assessment factors.

  • Planning & Technical Readiness
    Well-prepared, costed proposals with drawings, forecasts, and logic diagrams are more likely to succeed.

  • Scalability & Long-Term Impact
    Systems should be modular or future-proof to justify upfront investment.

How DTS Supports Funding-Aligned Design

Source Selection with Grant Criteria in Mind
We advise on tech that scores well — including source type, emissions, and control compatibility.

Performance Forecasting & Yield Modelling
We provide seasonal COP estimates, solar yield, carbon forecasts, and backup logic to validate system design.

Layout & Control Logic for Hybrid Systems
We align sequencing logic with carbon and funding metrics.

Documentation Support
We prepare schematic layouts, technical specs, and carbon calculations for funding applications.

Design Compliance for PSDS & HNIP Standards
We build in metering, monitoring, and carbon tracking features required by grant bodies.

Related Funding Schemes

  • PSDS — Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

  • HNIP — Heat Networks Investment Project

  • SHNF — Social Housing Net Zero Fund

  • LEVI — Local EV Infrastructure (for integrated power & heat systems)

FAQ

Can you help us apply for PSDS or HNIP funding? +
Yes — we regularly work with clients to design funding-eligible schemes and provide supporting technical documentation.
Do I have to remove gas completely? +
Not necessarily — hybrid systems can still qualify if they prioritise low-carbon sources and meet performance thresholds.
What makes a design “shovel-ready”? +
Detailed layouts, specs, carbon forecasts, and permissions/consents in place — we help get your scheme to that point.
Do you track funding criteria changes over time? +
Yes — we stay up to date with PSDS/HNIP guidance and can advise on current compliance requirements.

Make Your Design Eligible and Effective

We help heat network clients unlock funding by designing systems that deliver - for both carbon and compliance.

RELATED READS

Explore our detailed guides on designing effective, future-ready district heating systems. Each article is written to help clients, developers, and stakeholders understand what great network design looks like in practice.

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Low-Temperature Network Design

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Hybrid Systems & Backup Design

solar-thermal-district-heating-energy-centre

Solar Thermal Integration

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Waste Heat Recovery Systems