UK District Energy Vanguards Network

The UK District Energy Vanguards Network is a UK-wide knowledge exchange network whose core consists of local authorities and housing associations actively developing or operating district energy systems.

There are currently over 120 public sector members. The Network is open to all UK local authorities and housing associations who are developing district energy.

We have been involved in the network since 2011, and between 2011 and 2014 we co-convened the network with district energy practitioner Michael King.

The Network facilitates communication between members, shares good practice and addresses common problems. It also brings core members together with representatives of central and devolved government, industry, universities and third sector organisations to disucss specific policy matters – for example, in 2013 DECC roadtested proposals in the UK Government Heat Strategy with network members, and in 2016 met to discuss proposals for the Heat Networks Investment Project.

The Network also produces a newsletter on UK and international district energy developments which is distributed to around 400 subscribers. Click here to subscribe.

Latest Event

Heat Networks: Planning for a Zero Carbon World, March 2020 – Sheffield

Feedback from DEVN participants

Fantastic day to help set out the framework of options available for local authority workers considering or tasked with investigating heat networks in their area. Useful whether you have some knowledge already, or you’re just setting out to investigate a heat network and it’s all new.  A really friendly, collaborative workshop focused on interaction rather than dictation.
Stephen Webber, Energetik / London Borough of Enfield

I attended an event in London run by the District Energy Vanguards Network to discuss commercial models for heat networks. I came away motivated and much better informed of the application of different commercial models to heat networks according to the stakeholders and their appetite for risk. This is now actively helping me develop a community energy project. The event was practical and useful. I definitely recommend attending if you are planning to develop  a heat network.
Sheryl French, Cambridgeshire County Council

This is a great opportunity to share the experiences and common lessons learnt from District Heating project teams who are willing to impart knowledge and requirements within a relaxed and informal setting. I thought the workshop was very beneficial as there were people from all parts of the DHN value chain in attendance and this meant that answers to various questions could be addressed by people directly involved with every aspect of developing and delivering a DHN.
Mark Andrew, Amber Infrastructure / Mayor of London’s Energy Efficiency Fund