A review of the successes, barriers and implementation of a heating network in Cambridgeshire – a case study

Abstract

An area of focus for local authorities (LAs) to reduce their carbon footprint and meet net-zero carbon targets is reducing domestic heating carbon usage, currently responsible for 18% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire (SP), was chosen as a case study due to it being a rural heat pump network scheme, not on the gas network which used renewable energy and had the objective of reducing fuel poverty. I identified contributing factors that led to successful implementation of the scheme through publicly available information and conducting an interview with the LA sponsor. The financial commitment of the LA was crucial as a small community didn’t have resources to fund the build and low household density didn’t attract commercial investment. The ownership by the Community Land Trust (a voluntary committee of residents) was key to gaining residents’ trust, initiating and driving progression of the scheme. The Swaffham Prior scheme can be replicated if funding and underwriting of project costs is available by a public body (LA or central government). Land provision by LAs or social housing providers is key for financial success. Another success factor was that no upfront costs were required by households in connecting to the network so it’s inclusive irrespective of income.