The Heat Networks Industry Council (HeatNIC) has launched a nationwide workforce skills survey to drive the creation of 35,000 jobs needed for the UK’s heat networks sector. By 2050, these networks are projected to supply 20% of the country’s heat, a substantial leap from their current 2-3% contribution.
The shift towards low-carbon heat networks is critical to achieving net-zero emissions, with investments of £60-80 billion expected to scale the sector. HeatNIC, a collaborative forum of industry stakeholders and government, aims to assess the current skills landscape and prepare the workforce for this rapid expansion.
Expanding Representation for Effective Planning
Building on a smaller 2022 survey, HeatNIC’s new initiative incorporates a refined methodology and a broader respondent base. Speaking at the ADE’s annual Heat Network Conference, Charlotte Large, Director of Strategy and Decarbonization at Bring Energy, stressed the importance of understanding the nationwide talent pool to plan effectively for the sector’s growth.
From 2025, government-backed heat network zones in towns and cities will further accelerate this expansion, utilizing waste heat sources to meet the UK’s energy needs sustainably.
A Call for Collaboration
Toby Powell, Operations Director at Hemiko, highlighted the need for sector-wide participation in the survey. By engaging stakeholders from diverse areas, including local authorities, housing providers, universities, and hospitals, HeatNIC aims to develop a comprehensive picture of the workforce.
The survey, designed to be simple and anonymous, seeks to enable efficient skills development, ensuring a robust talent pool for future demands. As heat networks become integral to the UK’s energy strategy, this collaborative effort underscores the importance of a skilled workforce in achieving both economic growth and environmental goals.
The heat networks sector is poised for transformative growth, and HeatNIC’s initiative ensures the UK is ready to meet the challenge, creating jobs and fostering sustainability.
