Developing shared infrastructure for low-carbon heating requires a high degree of coordination - from both the private and public sector - as well as the buildings and owners involved.  

In November 2024, Nesta and Baringa brought together heat stakeholders from network operators, other shared heat infrastructure developers (eg, providers of ground loop arrays), investors, umbrella bodies, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem to discuss whether and how the state could play a more active role in supporting shared infrastructure for low-carbon heat.

We discussed the challenges, opportunities and different roles the state could take on and how this could look in practice. 

Could the state have a role as a planner, investor, development partner, enabler, coordinated or trusted messenger? Read our outcome note below to learn more.