The UK’s largest installer and operator of last mile multi-utility networks, GTC, has joined forces with ground source heat pump specialist Kensa Group to launch the Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution.
This, the partners say, is a low-cost renewable heating and cooling solution which aims to supply tens of thousands of newbuild homes a year. They add this is the largest partnership to be agreed between a utility infrastructure provider and a UK ground source heat pump manufacturer.
The Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution provides heating and hot water via a Shoebox or Shoebox NX GSHP in each property, connected to a shared network of underground pipework, similar to the configuration for other utilities. The partners note this will meet the terms of the Future Homes Standard, which will require all new homes to have low-carbon heating from next year.
Kensa adds that its compact heat pumps will fit neatly under the water cylinder inside the home, ‘saving valuable space and eliminating the need for any external kit, so there’s no visual impact on the property. The firm said:
With up to five times the efficiency of gas and a 30% increased efficiency over an equivalent air source heat pump, these ground source heat pumps require no extra electricity capacity, easing developer concerns about site grid capacity.
Under the agreement, GTC will provide the funded solution to housing developers, along with the design, borehole drilling, and network installation, which can be implemented alongside the other utility networks as part of a one-stop shop. Kensa will add its expertise in infrastructure and design capabilities and supply its UK-manufactured ground source heat pumps to fit each property.
As well as offering home buyers a lower-carbon, more efficient alternative to individual air source heat pumps, the Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution can also be used to heat and cool any non-domestic buildings within a development.
GTC Executive Chairman Clive Linsdell said:
A big challenge housebuilders face is additional grid capacity for low carbon technologies. This partnership brings an end-to-end heat, hot water, and cooling solution with the same power requirements as gas-heated homes. Our working with Kensa provides housebuilders and developers reassurance around the quality of installation and equipment, and homeowners 100% peace of mind in relation to its ongoing operation and maintenance.
GTC’s investment in the system means the cost to developers will usually be significantly lower than installing individual air source heat pumps. The partners noted that homeowners will also benefit from “hassle-free heating and hot water, with costs no higher than if they owned an air source heat pump”.
The optional addition of a Passiv Smart Thermostat can, reduce customers’ heating bills by up to 30%. There is also the option to add passive cooling to each home, which is unique to ground source heat pumps, the partners added:
With minimal running costs, passive cooling can mitigate overheating in summer and provide Part O compliance. And due to the high efficiencies of networked ground source heat pumps, no additional electricity demand is required, making it a great solution for sites already ‘in build’ and moving from gas. The Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution will be Heat Trust registered and regulated by Ofgem to ensure homeowners have worry-free maintenance, repair, and replacement of the ground source heat pump system.
Heat networks will be under discussion at at next week’s InstallerSHOW 2024, running 25 to 27 June at the NEC. It is free to attend, including parking. Register for FREE tickets to reduce queuing at: installer-2024-splash.reg.buzz
