The Bristol heat network in detail

Existing network and proposed connections

in 2019, Bristol City Council commissioned 'Bristol net zero by 2030: The evidence base' by the Centre for Sustainable Energy. This report indicated a heat network could potentially deliver zero carbon heat to up to 62,000 residential buildings and 6,000 commercial buildings in the city. 

In response to this, the council focussed on developing heat networks in high heat demand areas, such as central Bristol, which then led to the creation of the Bristol heat network.

Bristol has England's largest water source heat pump at Castle Park. This facility uses electricity from renewable sources to extract heat from the floating harbour before pumping it to nearby homes and businesses. As the network grows, it will be increasingly reliant on low carbon sources of heat. 

The network now supplies heat for space heating and hot water to many buildings, businesses and residents in Redcliffe and Old Market, and is being extended to Bedminster and the Temple area with possible routes to connect these areas together to be explored.

Feasibility studies have also been carried out into other potential network areas in Ashton Gate, City Centre, Frome Gateway and Spike Island.

 

The Bristol heat network map

All core network areas will be connected by a City Ring Main to improve resilience and diversity.

By the numbers*

3
live network areas
in Old Market, Redcliffe and Bedminster
1
network in construction
in Bedminster
32
buildings
connected

including

c.
17k
KW
of peak demand
c.
27k
MWh
of annual heat demand
c.
4314
residences
c.
181k
square meters
of non-residential use

*as of July 2024

More information

Request our updated Technical Specifications and Part L Guidance.

Frequently asked questions and answers about connecting to the Bristol heat network

UK homes are being encouraged to move to low carbon heating, but what are the benefits?

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Our team

Jon Sankey
Head of Business Development Bristol
Andrew Foulkes
Andrew Foulkes
Account Director
Veronica Hale
Account Director
Amy Mutch
Amy Mutch
Account Executive

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