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Policy GESP5: Heat Networks

 Opportunities to connect to or deploy heat networks and utilise waste heat will be taken where viable and feasible. In particular: 

  1. If a heat network exists or is proposed within a 1km radius, connection will be required from:
    1. Major development
    2. Development proposals that produce more than 1 Megawatt thermal of waste heat
  2. If no heat network currently exists or is proposed:
    1. New heat networks or combined heat and power (CHP) plants utilising low carbon energy sources should be deployed where developments (either alone or in combination) propose at least 1,200 homes or 10 hectares of commercial
    2. Development proposals that produce more than 1 Megawatt thermal of waste heat will incorporate measures to enable future connection to a heat network.

A project level HRA will be required if there is potential for a proposal to affect a Natura 2000 site.

5.13 Heat networks allow heat generated remotely to be used to provide heat and hot water to buildings on the network and allow for greater efficiency of space and energy use than individual Central energy centres are best suited to running combined heat and power, which make for more efficient energy production. Heat networks can also facilitate the collection and use of waste heat from nearby commercial/industrial installations and heat from the ground, air and water. Whilst many heat networks today are as-fired, converting a large scale energy centre to new combined heat and power generating technologies will be easier to chieve zero carbon than decarbonising buildings individually. Heat networks are commercially viable where sufficient numbers of connected buildings require heat throughout the day.

5.14 There are existing and planned heat networks in the Exeter area at Cranbrook/Skypark, Monkerton/Tithebarn, Marsh Barton/South West Exeter and through DEXTCO (a joint public sector venture to deliver efficient heat and power in the city centre). In addition to these, GESP allocations could identify new and expanded heat networks. Draft policy GESP5 sets out the circumstances where connection to heat networks should be considered. Existing and proposed heat networks will be identified on the policies map, to be published with the next version of the GESP.

5.15 The draft policy makes provision for utilising waste heat from new commercial, industrial and energy installations which produce more than 1 Megawatt thermal (MWth) of waste heat in any existing/proposed heat network in the locality. It also ensures that where no heat network exists or is proposed, construction does not preclude future connection to or development of such a network. This includes ensuring sufficient land is available for the installation of a heat pump.


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