District Energy Vanguards Network: Developing Your Business Case

After a wet and wild start to the day the UK District Energy Vanguards Network convened for a workshop on the topic of building a business case for district heating networks.

The workshop was specifically designed for local authorities and other public sector bodies developing district heating networks and focussed on addresing key areas to consider in building a business case.

A robust business case is the essential cornerstone to the development of a heat network project. It needs to be built on a detailed technical evaluation and credible commercial structure, and meet the strategic objectives of your key decision makers. Investors, both public and private, will want to see a sound financial plan that is conservative in its assumptions, has been tested against potential risks, and will provide them with a return on capital.

The workhop took place in Leeds on Wednesday 24th January 2018.

Thanks to all  presenters and participants, as well as our event sponsors: Logstor, Rehau, Secure Meters, Sustain and Trent Energy.

Morning: Local, regional and international perspectives and benefits

• UK Local Authority Action on Energy: Mags Tingey, University of Edinburgh
• The broader benefits of heat networks: Agneta Persson, Anthesis Sweden
• Business models – the international perspective: Robin Wiltshire, IEA

Afternoon: Developing your business case

• Preparing a business case and procuring advisors: George Robinson, HNDU, BEIS
• Selecting the right business model: Ruth Rule, Energy Direction
• Learning from Scotland: business cases for heat networks: Paul Moseley, Scottish Futures Trust
• Building your financial model: Tina Buchanan, Teno Accounting