Community heat refers to local heating systems that provide energy to multiple homes from a central low-carbon source. These systems are designed to reduce fossil fuel reliance, enhance energy efficiency, and empower communities by giving them control over their energy supply. For rural regions, where energy infrastructure may be limited or off-grid, community heat offers a transformative solution addressing economic, sustainability, and ownership challenges.

A major advantage of community heat projects is their potential to stimulate local economic growth. In rural areas, they can create jobs in system maintenance, fuel supply, and operations. For instance, Reheat’s is delivering the Community Heat Development Programme (CHDP) on behalf of Scottish Government. As part of this, a project in Lochaline is exploring a biomass heat network, which would not only provide sustainable heating but also boost the local economy by using regionally sourced resources. Moreover, community heat systems help rural households stabilise energy costs. Traditional heating systems, such as oil and gas boilers, are prone to price fluctuations, which disproportionately affect rural residents. By transitioning to renewable, locally managed heating solutions, communities can shield themselves from volatile energy prices, enhancing long-term economic resilience.

Community heat systems are crucial for decarbonising rural heating, especially in regions where homes often rely on inefficient heating technologies. For example, a Reheat feasibility study in a rural Scottish settlement revealed that switching to air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) would lead to significant carbon savings while maintaining similar heating costs compared to traditional gas boilers. This study also emphasised the importance of integrating energy efficiency measures, further lowering carbon footprints, and contributing to national climate goals.

Another key feature of community heat systems is their potential for local ownership and management. This model allows rural communities to control their energy infrastructure, manage costs, reinvest profits locally, and make decisions that secure their long-term energy needs. For example, Reheat is delivering a feasibility study for the Haydon Bridge District Heating project in Northumberland - exploring a community owned approach to low-carbon heat. An ownership model would enable residents to benefit directly from energy savings while generating income that can be reinvested locally, further enhancing the community’s economic strength.

In addition to financial benefits, community ownership fosters a collective sense of responsibility toward sustainability. For example, Reheat worked with a community-based cooperative in Glasgow, where residents collaborated to manage their heating systems while incorporating decarbonisation measures. This cooperative approach strengthens local engagement and creates a model that can be replicated in other rural regions.

Community heat offers rural regions a powerful solution by providing economic, environmental, and social benefits. By harnessing local resources and promoting ownership, these systems create sustainable, low-carbon heating options that can transform rural energy landscapes. We hope this message continues to reach political decision makers who can realise its huge potential, helping rural communities across the UK with better policy and increased funding in order to transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and locally driven model for heat.

For more about Community Heat, please contact Reheat: [email protected], and visit: reheat.uk.com