Low carbon, local energy
Good for the community, good for nature
How Shenstone could lead the way
in sustainable energy
Heat Network Study
Shentone Parish Council and Lichfield District Council have commissioned HI Group Ltd to carry out a detailed study into the business case for a heat network for the village, following successful grant funding via the Government's Heat Network Delivery Unit programme.
The study will assess the viability of harnessing the natural power of the aquifer beneath the village to create a low-carbon heating system that could benefit everyone in the community.
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Our work will review the techno-economic, financial, commercial and legal options of the project along with costs and implications for householders, and create a blue-print for future installation.
Keeping you up to date with progress
To keep everyone informed, we'll update this website regularly and share key findings at a community meeting on 16th July 2025 at the Cooper Room Community Centre
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The study is set for completion by 31 July 2025, so do check back regularly as we explore how Shenstone could take a big step towards a greener future.
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What is a heat network?
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A heat network is a system that distributes heating to multiple different homes and buildings from a single, central source. Rather than each building having its own gas boiler or heating system, a shared network provides heat utilising natural sources of low-carbon heat that might otherwise go unused. These include:
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ground, air and water - harnessing natural thermal energy from the environment.
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industrial bi-products - capturing excess heat from factories,
waste or other local processes.
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Heat is transported through insulated underground pipes to the buildings on the network.
Each property has its own individual connection to the system and uses a heat pump to transfer the heat to the radiators and hot water system.
Once the heat is used, the cooled water is sent back to the central plant to be reheated, completing the cycle.
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3 benefits of
heat networks
1. Reduced carbon footprint:
The heating sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, so by cutting out the use of fossil fuels for heating, carbon emissions are reduced.
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2. Energy security and resiliance:
With volatile energy market prices, heat networks provide a stable and reliable heating solution., free from the unpredictability of fossil fuel price hikes.
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3. Sustainable, clean energy:
By eliminating the need for gas boilers and the burning of fossil fuels in residential areas, heat networks contribute significantly to better air quality and a healthier environment.
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