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

UK District Energy Vanguards Network

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World – Sheffield Session 1

Emily Sam, David Malsom, Iain Greenshields ( 2020 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World – Sheffield Session 2

Peter Russett, Andy Yuill, Ian Allan, Paul Atkinson ( 2020 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World – Sheffield Session 3

Jon Buick, Faye Tomson, Andy Yuill ( 2020 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World HNIP & SPONSORS Slide Pack

Nick Good, Heat Networks Investment Project; Peter Russett, FVB District Energy UK; Andy Yuill, Natural Power; Ian Allan, Switch2 ( 2019 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World AFTERNOON Slide Pack

Rachel Coxcoon, CSE; Jon Selman, Plymouth City Council; Tony Norton, Howard Smith & Andy Wood, Exeter and East Devon; Andy Yuill, Natural Power; Josh Thumim, CSE ( 2019 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks Planning for a Zero Carbon World MORNING Slide Pack

Paul Barker, Bristol City Council; Richard Lowes, Exeter University; Rufus Ford, Vattenfall; Jon Buick, Bristol City Council ( 2019 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks The Road to Commercialisation MANCHESTER Slide Pack

( 2019 )

Presentation

DEVN: Heat Networks The Road to Commercialisation LONDON Slide Pack

( 2019 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Business models – the international perspective
IEA

Robin Wiltshire ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Preparing a business case and procuring advisors
HNDU, BEIS

George Robinson ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Selecting the right business model
Energy Direction

Ruth Rule ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Learning from Scotland: business cases for heat networks
Scottish Futures Trust

Paul Moseley ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Building your financial model
Teno Accounting

Tina Buchanan ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: UK Local Authority Action on Energy
University of Edinburgh

Margaret Tingey ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: The broader benefits of heat networks
Anthesis Sweden

Agneta Persson ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Sponsor: Secure Meters

Jamie Bomber ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Sponsor: Logstor

Chris Best ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Sponsor: Trent Energy

Philippe Terrien ( 2018 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Procurement Framework

Michael King ( 2016 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: Värmek Approach to Procurement
Värmek

Peter Dahl ( 2016 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: DEPA Introduction

Michael King ( 2016 )

Presentation

Vanguards Presentation: DECC’s Heat Networks Investment Project

Michael King ( 2016 )

Presentation

District Heat Policy Options in the UK: Workshop report
Vanguards Network

David Hawkey ( 2013 )

Event report Report

Next Steps in Financing District Energy: Workshop report
Vanguards Network

Janette Webb, Margaret Tingey and David Hawkey ( 2013 )

Event report Report

DECC Heat Strategy Consultation 2012
Response to Consultation from the District Heating UK Local Authorities’ Vanguard Network

David Hawkey ( 2012 )

Consultation response

Financing District Heating Initiatives: Workshop summary
Vanguards Network

David Hawkey ( 2012 )

Event report Report

Leadership and Organisation for District Energy: Workshop Report
Vanguards Network

Heather Lovell ( 2011 )

Event report Report

District Energy Vanguards Network – Heat Networks: Planning for a Zero Carbon World SHEFFIELD March 2020

Free one-day workshop
Tuesday 10 March 2020
Sheffield

District Energy Vanguards Network – Heat Networks: Planning for a Zero Carbon World BRISTOL November 2019

Free one-day workshop
Bristol
19 November 2019

District Energy Vanguards Network – Heat Networks: The Road to Commercialisation MANCHESTER

District Energy Vanguards Network – Heat Networks: The Road to Commercialisation MANCHESTER May 2019

Free one-day workshop
Tuesday 21st May 2019 – Manchester

District Energy Vanguards Network: Heat Networks The Road to Commercialisation LONDON

District Energy Vanguards Network: Heat Networks The Road to Commercialisation LONDON February 2019

District Energy Vanguards Network: Heat Networks The Road to Commercialisation
Free one-day workshop for local authorities and other public sector organisations
Monday 4th February 2019, London

District Energy Vanguards Network: Developing Your Business Case January 2018

District Energy Vanguards Network: Heat Networks Investment Programme and District Energy Procurement Agency April 2016

District Energy Vanguards Network: Financial Plans, Building a Heat Tariff and Heat Metering July 2015

District Energy Vanguards Network: What Works for District Energy Business Models in Britain? December 2014

District Energy Vanguards Network: Next Steps in Financing District Energy November 2013

District Energy Vanguards Network meet to discuss UK Gov Heat Strategy

District Energy Vanguards Network meet to discuss UK Gov Heat Strategy February 2013

The UK Government plans to publish its Heat Strategy in March 2013. DECC wished to test proposals relating to district heating with the members of the Vanguards Network. To this end the Vanguards met on Friday 15th February 2013, and were kindly hosted by Sheffield City Council at the Sheffield Town Hall.

District Energy Vanguards Network: Financing District Heating Initiatives May 2012

District Energy Vanguards Network: Leadership and Organisation for District Energy September 2011