The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has today launched its public consultation on the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS).

HNTAS is set to become the key industry standard for improving the performance, efficiency, and reliability of heat networks across Britain and is a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards decarbonising heat.

Analysis shows that heat is the largest source of UK carbon emissions, accounting for almost two-fifths (37%) of total emissions.

The UK government’s long-term policy position is that building more heat networks is going to be crucial for decarbonising heating, with government stating: “Heat networks are vital to making net zero a reality in the UK. In high density urban areas, they are often the lowest cost, low carbon heating option.”

HNTAS, which is expected to be introduced within 2026, will establish mandatory technical standards for the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of heat networks. These standards are designed to improve the performance of heat networks across the UK and support heat network operators to deliver better service to their residents through greater reliability of heating and hot water, and lower energy bills.

FairHeat has played a key role in the scheme’s development, acting as Technical Author for HNTAS, together with our delivery partner Talan – UK.

There are estimated to be more than 14,000 operational heat networks and more than 500,000 residential customers connected to them, predominantly in social housing.

HNTAS will require every new and existing heat network to meet minimum standards, be certified to operate and have data on its performance collected and monitored. This represents a step change for the industry and will place heat networks at the forefront of taking an outcomes based, consumer-centric approach to the provision of energy.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of FairHeat and Lead Technical Author of HNTAS, comments:

“As Technical Authors of the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), we are proud to have contributed to the development of HNTAS over the past three years. We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions from across the sector, including 111 organisations and 190 individuals, 10 stakeholder engagement groups, and 12 pilot projects carried out in the last year. HNTAS represents one of the most significant initiatives our industry has undertaken — an effort shaped by the industry, for the industry, and underpinned by thousands of hours of collaborative work.”

“The introduction of mandatory technical standards is a game-changer for the heat network sector.

“Providing clear, mandatory national standards will be transformational for developers and operators and their customers connected to heat networks, who will experience better reliability, cleaner air, lower carbon emissions and lower energy bills.

“In addition, improving the performance of the worst performing heat networks has the potential to cut energy usage drastically, collectively saving residents thousands of pounds.

“HNTAS will also be transformational for investors set to spend billions of pounds in building new heat networks in the UK as the new regulations provide greater clarity and assurance for them about the performance and longevity of their investment.

“For housing associations, councils and developers managing multiple heat networks now is the time to start looking at a programme of auditing their entire portfolio of heat networks to help assess which heat networks are most in need of investment and prioritise accordingly.

“HNTAS will help drive the transition to low-carbon heating while also creating new opportunities for investors and stakeholders to get involved in a growing sector.”

Key Features of HNTAS:

• Mandatory technical standards to drive quality and performance.
• Builds on existing industry-led initiatives to ensure new and existing heat networks meet best practice.
• Increases efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, capital expenditure, and operational costs.
• Enhances consumer experience, ensuring reliable, cost-effective heating.
• Supports sector growth, creating new job opportunities and increasing market confidence.
• Encourages early industry engagement to ensure readiness for upcoming requirements.

The consultation is now open, and DESNZ is seeking input from stakeholders across the sector. Industry leaders, developers, operators, and supply chain professionals are encouraged to respond before the closing date on 15 April 2026.

To support industry engagement, DESNZ and FairHeat will be hosting a webinar series, providing an overview of the consultation and key elements, answering questions from stakeholders across the industry. Further details will be shared soon.

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