Heat Network project advances in Inverness • UK Government launches retrofit training programme • Steel plant waste heat to supply district heating in Sheffield • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from the UK
The Highland Council is moving forward with plans to explore city-wide heat networks in Inverness, marking a significant step in the region’s journey toward decarbonized heating. As part of its Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), the Council is assessing how investments into low-carbon heat infrastructure can support long-term goals within sustainability, affordability, and resilience for local communities.
Four key zones have been identified across Inverness: the west bank of the River Ness, the City Centre, Longman, and Raigmore. These areas, highlighted in a report to Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee, were selected based on factors such as high energy demand, fuel poverty risk, and opportunities for collective heating.
Initial estimates suggest that the City Centre network could cost around £44 million, with the Raigmore system expected to exceed £54 million. In total, the Council has identified up to £165 million in potential investment costs across the four zones. While ambitious, these investments could yield long-term returns by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting energy bills, and providing energy resilience.
The next phase of the Highland Council’s heat network will focus on technical and financial assessments, exploring delivery models, and engaging with community stakeholders to ensure benefits are widely shared.
In a move to boost green skills and accelerate home energy upgrades, the UK Government has announced the launch of the Warm Homes Skills Programme, aiming to support up to 18.000 new training places for professionals in the retrofit and low-carbon installation sectors. The scheme is a key part of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) broader Warm Homes Plan, which targets the upgrade of up to 300.000 UK homes by 2026.
Through a competitive funding process, accredited training providers across England can apply for financial support to deliver courses in key areas including fabric insulation, solar PV installation, and retrofit assessment. The programme also includes targeted training for work on non-domestic buildings, as well as entry-level courses designed to attract new talent into the retrofit workforce. Up to £1 million is available per project in the first phase, with funding subject to subsidy control regulations.
Alongside technical training, successful bids will be expected to offer additional support for underrepresented groups in the construction sector and individuals currently out of work. This dual approach aims to both build workforce capacity and promote diversity in the industry. According to DESNZ, the initiative is a critical step in building the “clean power army” required to meet the UK’s decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals.
Read more in article from the Building Boardroom
Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with E.ON UK to supply waste heat from its steel production to Sheffield’s district heating network. The agreement will see heat generated by the company’s stainless steel melting shop repurposed to deliver heating to hundreds of buildings in the city.
The partnership is a first for Sheffield’s industrial sector and signals a shift toward large-scale heat reuse in line with the UK Government’s Heat Network Zoning strategy. Once connected, the recovered heat is expected to serve approximately 500 commercial properties within the Lower Don Valley Heat Zone. By integrating the otherwise wasted energy into the local heat network, the initiative will reduce carbon emissions as well and reliance on fossil fuels.
The project is part of the company’s greater sustainability ambitions, including its recent £50 million investment in a new Electric Arc Furnace, a cleaner and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional steelmaking methods. The initiative also aligns closely with Sheffield City Council’s climate objectives, strengthening the city’s status as a leader in industrial sustainability and green infrastructure.
As heat networks continue to play a pivotal role in the UK’s journey to net zero, projects like this demonstrate the untapped potential of industrial symbiosis where waste from one process becomes a valuable resource for another. With this agreement, Sheffield sets a precedent for how cities can work with industry to deliver low-carbon heating at scale.
Read more in press release from Marcegaglia
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