New requirements on heat network schemes from DESNZ
Government introduces new technical guidelines for new Assurance Scheme
7 January 2026
The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published draft documents outlining the technical requirements and assessment procedures for the forthcoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), marking a pivotal step toward regulated, high-performance heat networks across the country.
The documents, covering the New Build Technical Specification and an accompanying Assessment Procedures Overview, detail compliance obligations for heat network developers. These include defined performance benchmarks, mandatory monitoring points, and multi-level assessment protocols. This release is intended to guide the industry in preparing for future regulatory enforcement under HNTAS.
Gareth Jones, Managing Director of FairHeat and Lead Technical Author for HNTAS, acknowledged the collaborative nature of the scheme’s development: “We’re proud to have contributed to the development of these documents over the last three years. This achievement is the result of thousands of hours of work by more than 190 professionals across 111 organisations, supported by approximately 60 workshops and multiple stakeholder engagement groups.”
Jones emphasized the wide-ranging input from the heat network sector, crediting industry-wide participation with ensuring that the draft scheme is robust, realistic, and aligned with sector needs.
Tom Burton, Senior Engineer and Head of the Industry Standards Team at FairHeat, highlighted the significance of the draft publication: “These documents set out some of the key compliance requirements and help to establish a clear direction for what the new build heat network landscape will look like once HNTAS is live.”
FairHeat has played a central role in the scheme’s development as Technical Author, working closely with DESNZ, implementation body Gemserv, and a wide range of sector contributors.
The draft documents are available via the UK government website:
A formal public consultation is expected soon, giving stakeholders an opportunity to provide further input before the scheme is finalised.
In support of industry readiness, FairHeat will also launch a webinar series aimed at guiding stakeholders through the new compliance requirements. Expressions of interest and queries can be directed to info@fairheat.com.
FairHeat is a specialist engineering consultancy known for its role in shaping UK heat network standards. It has worked on over 500 projects and contributed to other key industry frameworks, including the BESA HIU Test Standard and Heat Network Optimisation Guidance.
