Consultation and engagement

Consultation on Liverpool Heat Network Zone

Start date: 17th June 2026
End date: 29th July 2026 

Liverpool Heat Network Zone

Our aim is to identify areas in Liverpool where Heat Networks have the potential to offer the lowest cost, low-carbon solution for providing heat to buildings over the long term.

The Energy Act 2023 provides the regulatory framework for the introduction of Heat Network Zoning policy in England, being led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). A number of potential heat network zones have been identified across England as part of the Advanced Zoning Programme (AZP), including one in Liverpool City Centre.

What are heat networks?

Heat networks are systems of underground pipes that take heat from a central source and deliver it to multiple buildings, such as shops, offices, hospitals, sports facilities, public buildings and universities.

The central heat source can be taken from geothermal heat (heat naturally stored in the ground), water bodies or even the air. Recoverable heat from industrial processes such as industrial plants, power stations and data centres can also be used.

Heat networks have already been successfully implemented across the UK and in Liverpool. Heat networks generally include:

  • An energy centre, typically a dedicated building containing heat generation plant, pumps, and other ancillary equipment.
  • Distribution pipework, usually pre-insulated steel pipework that is installed underground as a flow and return system. The pipework is normally laid in a trench within the public highway, backfilled, and the surface reinstated.
  • Heat substations in connected buildings, which usually consist of low-maintenance plate heat exchangers and control components.

 

An illustrative diagram of a heat network zone showing how different buildings can be connected within a heat network zone.

An illustrative diagram of a heat network zone.

 

Heat networks are highly efficient, can increase energy security, reduce exposure to volatile utility prices, and provide air quality benefits through technology shifts and economies of scale. In high-density urban areas, they often have the potential to be the lowest-cost, low-carbon heating option and are a key component in meeting national net zero targets.

What is zoning?

Heat Network Zoning is the process of identifying and designating areas where heat networks can be expected to provide the lowest-cost, low-carbon heating solution.

You can find out more about the zoning process at heat network zoning (GOV.UK).

As part of this process, Liverpool has been identified by DESNZ as a leading city to develop a Heat Network Zone and we are now consulting on the proposed Heat Network Zone boundary for Liverpool City Centre.

You can download a factsheet here with more detailed information about the proposed Liverpool Heat Network Zone.

Liverpool City Council is working with DESNZ and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to establish a local regulator for the heat network zone, referred to as the zone coordinator.  The zone coordinator will be responsible for:

  • Appointing the heat network developer that will build and operate the network in the zone for the zone.
  • Issuing the zone developer and any existing heat networks in the zone with their licence to operate.
  • Determining if, and when buildings must connect to a heat network in the zone.
  • Making sure the developer and existing heat network operators deliver the heat network benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

Connecting buildings to a heat network in a zone

New build developments, existing communally heated buildings (e.g. mixed-use residential buildings with central boiler rooms) and other non-domestic buildings that use more than 100MWh of heat per year within the zone could be required to connect to the heat network.

For reference, 100MWh / year corresponds roughly to a block of 8 existing or 15 new communally-heated flats, restaurants, small office buildings, hotels and care homes.

Where a building meets or exceeds the 100MWh / year threshold, the proposed steps below will be followed to connect it to the heat network:

  • When the Heat Network Zone is designated, building owners will be notified if their property is considered an “eligible building” (i.e. potentially required to connect to a Heat Network) by the Zone Coordinator. At this stage, building owners will be given an opportunity to review or appeal this designation.
  • The Network Developer will be able to start construction when it has been appointed and has developed an approved Zone Development Plan.  Construction will be phased and must follow the approved Plan.  When the network expands to a new area, a connection notice will be issued by the Zone Coordinator to each new building required to connect. The notice will specify a time window to connect, and the actions required by the building owner.  This notice will also define a period during which the owner must agree the connection date with the network developer. Upon receipt of this notice, the building owner must either progress towards connection, apply for a temporary exemption, or appeal.
  • Where connection proceeds, the building owner will be required to facilitate the works.  This includes providing access and enabling any necessary modifications to the building’s heating system. If a connection date cannot be agreed, it may be determined by the Zone Coordinator.

You can read more about the Heat Network Zoning Consultation Government Response (January 2026) available at Proposals for heat network zoning 2023 (GOV.UK).

Our proposed heat network zone

Liverpool has been identified as a key location, with a large area of high-density heat demand in the City Centre and Knowledge Quarter, where heat networks can provide the lowest-cost, low-carbon heating option. The heat network zone could reduce carbon emissions, reduce air pollution from gas heating and save building operators money on heating costs.

The proposed zone boundary includes key anchor loads (a building or facility with a large, reliable, and long-term demand for heat) such as public sector offices and further education facilities at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moore's University, and Liverpool Hope University.

This map might not work with screen readers or other assistive tools. Please contact us via the email below if you need help understanding the information.

You can also view an interactive version of the proposed heat network zone map.

There is strong potential for water source heat pump (WSHP) systems to be developed, recovering heat from Sandon Docks Wastewater Treatment works, the Mersey docks, geothermal heat (heat naturally stored in the ground), and data centres. While every building is different and will be assessed on its individual needs and circumstances, connecting to a heat network can provide one of the lowest-cost low-carbon heating options.

Designing and building a heat network is a big job and will take time. We expect that the Liverpool heat network will begin its phased delivery from 2028 to deliver its benefits as soon as possible, with the network developing over a long period (potentially decades) to cover a significant part of the city.

About this consultation

The government published a consultation response in January 2026 which set out the zoning policy decisions that will inform forthcoming zoning regulations. Subject to Parliamentary time, government expect these regulations to be laid in Parliament in summer 2026 and, once approved, taking effect by the end of 2026. We are undertaking this consultation ahead of the zoning regulations coming into force later this year to ensure that areas which are already at an advanced stage of development can continue to progress without unnecessary delay.

Liverpool City Council has already undertaken substantial work to identify, refine and test potential heat network zones, including engagement with stakeholders. Running consultations now allows that work to be completed in a way that can be recognised once the statutory framework is in place, rather than needing to be repeated. The zoning regulations will include provision for pre-zone heat networks – which enable work carried out before the zoning regulations come into force towards the creation of a heat network zone, including consultation on a future zone – to be recognised and, where appropriate, to lead to the designation of the zone and the grant of consent to develop the zone under the zoning regulations.

How to comment

This consultation is focusing on the geographic boundary of the proposed Heat Network Zone.  It is not for providing feedback on heat network zoning policy or strategy. 

Your feedback on the proposed heat network zone boundary will help Liverpool City Council and DESNZ refine the boundary before Heat Network Zoning (England) Regulations come in to effect later this year.

We want your views on our proposed boundary for a heat network zone in Liverpool City Centre.

Submit your comments online via Citizen Space

You can also submit your comments using a hard copy of this form, which is available at Liverpool Central Library. You can send this form in using the post to FREEPOST ZONE BOUNDARY CONSULTATION, or you can email it to liverpoolheatnetwork@liverpool.gov.uk. 

What happens to my views?

Once the consultation closes, results will be accessed by a restricted team of Liverpool City Council staff and consultants working on behalf of the Council only, any data shared will be done so in line with GDPR.  The results will only be used to inform the refinement of the zone. The results will be published on this consultation website, in a Consultation Statement which is expected to be released in September 2026.  

Responses will be summarised for inclusion in the Consultation Statement. Your comments may be included in the statement, but this will be done anonymously. The data from this consultation will be kept securely for a maximum of 12 months and then destroyed.

What happens next?

Alongside the consultation, we are working to select a development partner to design and build the network. We are also engaging with building owners and other key stakeholders to understand their views and requirements.

Further information

For further information, please email liverpoolheatnetwork@liverpool.gov.uk with ‘Heat Network Zoning Consultation 2026’ as the subject line. You can also call us on 0151 331 8109.