Project Summary
The South West Net Zero Hub supported Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to explore the potential for low-carbon heat networks across the BCP area.
The study assessed potential heat network clusters, reviewed local heat demand, identified suitable low-carbon heat sources and considered the technical and economic viability of progressing schemes to the next stage of development.
Background
BCP Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its own operations by 2030 and across the wider area by 2045.
Heat network development is identified as a key part of BCP’s Local Area Energy Plan. The Council had already identified potential focus zones for heat networks, but further work was needed to understand which areas offered the strongest opportunity, what heat sources could be used, and what next steps would be required to move schemes towards delivery.
Our Role
The Hub funded and managed an early-stage feasibility study, appointing consultants Ramboll, supported by geothermal specialists TownRock Energy, to assess heat network opportunities across BCP.
The study reviewed five initial heat network clusters and assessed a range of low-carbon heat sources, including air source heat pumps, water source heat pumps, wastewater heat recovery, shallow open-loop geothermal and deep open-loop geothermal.
Location
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole unitary authority area, Dorset
Impact
The study identified three preferred heat network areas for further consideration:
- Central Bournemouth
- Central Poole and Poole Harbour
- Bournemouth Hospital and Castle Lane East
The work found that low-carbon heat pumps could supply around 75–80% of annual heat demand across the viable clusters, with gas boilers providing peak and backup capacity. Thermal storage was also included to help manage peak demand and improve heat pump utilisation.
The study provides BCP with a clearer evidence base for progressing one or more preferred clusters to detailed project development, including future demand validation, stakeholder engagement, grid assessment, heat source de-risking and commercial/financial appraisal.
Lessons Learnt
The project highlighted the importance of strong local data and stakeholder engagement when assessing heat network opportunities. Anchor loads, future developments, energy centre locations, grid capacity and heat source risk all have a significant impact on scheme viability.
The study also showed the value of comparing multiple low-carbon heat sources at an early stage. Geothermal options offered strong carbon and energy resilience benefits but carried higher capital cost and subsurface risk, while water source and air source heat pump options offered lower-risk alternatives for some clusters.
Next Steps
The outputs give BCP a stronger basis for making decisions on which heat network opportunities should be developed further and what evidence is needed before future funding or delivery decisions can be made.