HNTAS

Introduction

The Energy Act 2023, a pivotal legislation, empowers the government with the crucial authority to enforce stringent technical standards for heat networks across Great Britain, ushering in a new era of regulatory measures aimed at enhancing efficiency and reliability. At DTS Consulting, our unwavering dedication lies in bolstering this transformative initiative through the implementation of comprehensive regulatory technical requirements, meticulously crafted to align with the evolving landscape of heat network infrastructure. In tandem with this commitment, we are proud to unveil the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), poised to revolutionise the industry upon its anticipated launch in 2025. Through HNTAS, heat network operators will be afforded a dynamic platform to showcase their adherence to the prescribed standards, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and driving towards a standardised minimum threshold of performance and reliability that transcends geographical boundaries.

Contents

Overview

Since the end of 2022, DESNZ has been working with its Technical Author (Fairheat) to develop a technical standards Code. This Code outlines essential technical requirements, such as pipe insulation and water flow temperatures, which will soon be mandated by new regulations. Many of these requirements are enhancements of the voluntary standards initially detailed in CIBSE CP1 (2020). Additionally, DESNZ and Fairheat have been creating a robust scheme of assessment and certification to ensure that heat networks can demonstrably comply with these technical standards. Together, these requirements and assurance processes constitute the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

The upcoming technical standards regulations will encompass all heat networks, from communal systems to expansive city-wide district networks, covering both new constructions and the approximately 14,000 existing legacy networks.

Objectives & Principles

HNTAS is being developed with a focus on deliverability and proportionality as key principles. The aim is to ensure that implementing HNTAS does not impose excessive burdens or costs on heat network operators or consumers.

HNTAS will improve the transparency of heat network performance and enhance accountability for those involved in planning, constructing, managing, and maintaining heat networks. Consequently, HNTAS has the potential to lower carbon emissions by increasing the efficiency of heat networks, reduce capital and operational expenses, and enhance the consumer experience.

HNTAS will function as a performance-based assurance program, applicable to various distinct components of a heat network, such as the energy center, district distribution network, and communal distribution network. Each component will undergo assessments against minimum standards during different lifecycle stages of the heat network. During the design and construction phases, evaluations will be conducted to confirm that the anticipated performance outcomes will be met. After commissioning, assessments will ensure that these performance outcomes have been achieved and sustained.

Compliance

HNTAS mandates assessments for heat networks to verify compliance with minimum technical standards.

New networks must undergo assessments before design, construction, and operation, with an additional check after two years to ensure continued adherence to performance criteria.

Existing networks will have periodic assessments to meet requirements, with a transition period for implementing necessary metering systems. Initial performance thresholds are set at a more forgiving level to allow ample time for compliance.

Following successful assessments, HNTAS certification is granted, offering tangible proof of compliance. Certified operators are then responsible for regularly submitting data to uphold performance indicators.

Governance Structure

As outlined in the Energy Act 2023, Ofgem will assume the role of regulator for heat networks. The Energy Act empowers Ofgem to grant a license to a Technical Standards Code Manager. This Code Manager will be responsible for maintaining the Code documents, which will encompass:

  1. Technical specifications outlining the requirements for heat networks.

  2. Assurance procedures detailing how compliance with these specifications is demonstrated.

  3. Requirements for assessors stipulating who is authorised to assess compliance.

The Code Manager may opt to delegate the day-to-day operation of HNTAS to a service provider.

It is anticipated that registered assessors will receive licenses from the Code Manager to conduct HNTAS assessments. It is expected that organisations providing certification services would necessitate accreditation.

Stakeholder engagement and consultation

Engagement with stakeholders has played a pivotal role in the development of HNTAS. To date, a total of 25 technical workshops have been conducted, facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise among various stakeholders, including manufacturers, housing associations, local authorities, consultancies, developers, contractors, energy service companies, trade associations, and professional bodies.

The insights gathered from these workshops are being utilised to shape the Code documents, delineating the scheme's regulatory technical prerequisites and outlining methods for demonstrating compliance.

The initial drafts of these documents, encompassing the scheme's technical specifications, assessment criteria, and certification requirements, are nearing completion. We anticipate seeking feedback on several HNTAS proposals and intend to publish the Code documents in some capacity in 2024.

Pilot Programme & Next Steps

Pilot Program for HNTAS recognising the importance of validating the technical requirements and assurance processes in real-world scenarios, we are preparing for a HNTAS pilot program scheduled for the latter half of 2024. Heat network operators and assessors are invited to participate. For those interested in expressing early interest or learning more, please reach out to heatnetworks@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Future Steps:

Spring 2024: Completion of the initial draft of Code documents

Summer 2024: Consultation on technical standards

Summer 2024 to Spring 2025: Implementation of the HNTAS pilot program

By the end of 2025: Official launch of HNTAS