06 March 2024
FirstPort has received a share of £3.5m Government funding, set to benefit hundreds of residents by looking at how increased efficiency and reduced energy costs can be achieved through improvements to heat networks.
FirstPort-managed, Park 25 in Redhill, Surrey secured the funding awarded in Round four of the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). This follows an announcement in late 2023 that Victory Pier in Kent had received round-two funding.
The funding is going towards a study into how heat networks can improve for the benefit of residents. With two developments now in the scheme, FirstPort will see a greater impact on its learnings, which it intends to roll out across all developments that have heat network systems within communal areas.
FirstPort applied to the HNES to improve the efficiency of the heat network at Park 25 because for its significance in terms of the size of the development and the array of technology in use, including Biomass and gas boilers, connecting 100s of homes.
Stuart Wilcox, Head of Technical at FirstPort, said:
“We’re delighted to have had a second development accepted for funding because it gives us an even greater opportunity to help more residents have efficient and cost-effective communal systems.
Park 25 is a great blueprint for us to understand the way the communal heat networks are working in larger and more complex buildings and we’ll make sure those learnings can help residents living in similar developments.
Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv, said:
“It is great to see FirstPort’s dedication to ensuring their residents are getting the best deal on their heating requirements. After the latest announcement of funding to projects in Round four, FirstPort developments will gain access to in-depth insights detailing how they can ensure their heat networks are operating at maximum efficiencies.
“This project is one of many examples of how optimisation funding can provide high-quality learnings to operators, unlocking the ability to optimise heat networks, reduce outages and energy usage, and ease energy costs for residents.”
