The role of actor-networks in the early stage mobilisation of low carbon heat networks

Low carbon heat networks (LCHNs) offer great potential for carbon and heating cost reduction. Despite these benefits, LCHNs provide for just two per cent of heat demand in the UK, when estimates suggest they have the potential to provide for around 43 per cent. These low levels of LCHN provision are...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energy policy 2016-09, Vol.96, p.144-152
Main Authors: Ambrose, Aimee, Eadson, Will, Pinder, James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actor network theory
Benefit cost analysis
Carbon
Cities
Constraints
Cost reduction
District heating
Evaluation
Heat networks
Heating
Local government
Low carbon heat networks
Network analysis
Networks
Project management
Public sector
Studies
United Kingdom
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Summary:Low carbon heat networks (LCHNs) offer great potential for carbon and heating cost reduction. Despite these benefits, LCHNs provide for just two per cent of heat demand in the UK, when estimates suggest they have the potential to provide for around 43 per cent. These low levels of LCHN provision are in stark contrast to the Nordic nations which exemplify some of the highest quality and most extensive heat networks in the world. It is within this context that the Pioneer Cities project (the project) was launched by the UK government to help local authorities overcome barriers to the deployment of LCHNs. This paper reports the findings of an evaluation of this project, drawing on 86 interviews across five local authorities, analysed using elements of Actor Network Theory (ANT). The evaluation found that the project’s success has been limited. Participating local authorities have encountered challenges regarding marketisation, public sector retrenchment and inexperience in mobilising LCHNs. These factors militate against the formation of the robust actor-networks required to deploy LCHNs. Analysis using ANT reveals insights into why LCHNs remain elusive in the UK and suggests that policy makers need to strengthen local authorities’ ability to lead and deliver complex infrastructure projects. •Low carbon heat networks (LCHNs) reduce carbon emissions from heat production and reduce costs.•Yet market issues and local government cut backs undermine successful delivery of LCHNs.•Local authorites are charged by government with deploying LCHNS but are not well placed to do so.•Policy makers need to ‘prepare the ground’ for LCHN deployment through policy and incentives.
ISSN:0301-4215
1873-6777
DOI:10.1016/j.enpol.2016.05.042