Minutes:
The Deputy Chairperson welcomed Mr. S. Kerr to the meeting.
He set out the case for heat networks as a key part of a more secure, flexible and de-carbonised energy system. He described a heat network as a system of pipes which transported heat from locations where it was readily available to where it was needed. A major advantage was that a network could use a wide range of current and future heat sources rather than relying on a single fuel.
He outlined that energy systems remained vulnerable when they depended heavily on particular fuels or sources, and that greater diversification was required. He highlighted previous periods of energy insecurity, including post-war coal rationing, the oil crises of the 1970s, the energy disruption associated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the recent Strait of Hormuz crisis.
The Committee was advised that heat networks could help balance electricity demand. Strategically sized thermal storage would allow heat to be produced when electricity was plentiful or inexpensive and stored for later use. During periods of high electricity prices or constrained supply, heat generation could be reduced and the stored heat released.
He highlighted to the Members that significant amounts of usable heat were currently being wasted. He illustrated the potential for a Belfast heat transmission network to connect multiple sources of heat with areas of demand. He suggested potential sources including power generation, waste-to-energy, wastewater treatment, industrial processes which could potentially provide heat for around 100,000 homes. He also highlighted the potential of Northern Ireland's geothermal resource.
The Members were advised to look towards future heat opportunities, including industrial clusters, agricultural and biogas CHP, biochar production and data centres. He illustrated how heat that would otherwise be rejected could become a useful resource within a local energy system.
He demonstrated that the approach was already being used in Denmark, where the Triangle Region Heat Transmission Company (TVIS) operated a 123km heat transmission system, connecting heat suppliers with nine district heating companies and supplying more than 60,000 consumers. The model demonstrated how industrial clustering and sector integration enabled low-cost waste heat to be shared across a wider area. He also highlighted Shetland Heat Energy and Power, with around 1,300 homes already connected, and Lothian Heat, established in 2025, with plans to connect more than 100,000 homes by 2031.
Overall, he stated that heat networks could address the energy “trilemma” of security, affordability and de-carbonisation simultaneously. Using multiple heat sources reduced dependence on any single fuel; thermal storage allowed the cheapest available heat to be used at the most appropriate time; and the network could maximise renewable energy while capturing heat which would otherwise be wasted by industry.
He highlighted that the transition to net zero should not simply focus on producing more energy, but on making better use of energy which was currently being wasted.
During discussion, he provided the Committee with details of the East Lothian and Tallaght schemes.
In response to a Member’s question as to what pitfalls Belfast should be wary not to make, Mr. Kerr outlined that the design, installation and quality of the pipe insulation was key to a successful, long-term project. He also highlighted that it was important for authorities not to ignore the fuel poor in their considerations.
In response to further comments regarding data centres, he explained that Switzerland and Denmark had regulated water-intensive cooling methods often used in data centres with heat generation minimised and waste heat recovered where possible.
A Member stated that he and his Party’s position on net zero was clear and that they felt it was common sense to use whatever resources we had. He and another Member also stated that their constituents would not want the city’s roads to be dug up for the installation of the pipes required for the scheme.
Mr. Kerr advised the Committee that there were billions of pounds sitting in green pension pots, with investors always looking for something to invest in.
The Chairperson thanked Mr. Kerr for his presentation and he retired from the meeting.
Noted.