The possibility of a low-carbon heat zone that uses surplus energy to keep Bracknell residents warm is a step closer after a Bracknell-based environmental team took the first steps towards striking out on its own.
Heat network zones are integrated district heating systems that can capture waste heat from industrial processes, data centres or large heat pumps and transfer it to local homes and businesses as a low-cost, efficient alternative to standalone gas boilers. Each zone must meet a carbon emissions limit based on a benchmark that assumes 85 per cent of heat comes from low‑carbon air source heat pumps using electricity and 15 per cent from gas boilers.
The government wants to more than double the amount of heat supplied via heat networks in England to 7 per cent (27TWh) by 2035, and expects heat networks to provide a fifth of all heat by 2050.
Bracknell Town Centre has been identified as a potential site for a low‑carbon heat zone, and members of Bracknell’s Joint Climate Action Board (JCAB) backed the proposal at a meeting on Friday 13 February. They also supported a new Bracknell repair café.
The main aim of the meeting was to approve a new structure for JCAB to boost co‑operation between local movers and shakers on green projects. The former working group is being rebuilt from the ground up to enable larger schemes, such as the Heat Network Zone in Bracknell Town Centre.
Attendees included representatives from Bracknell Forest Borough Council, town and parish councils, Reading Buses, The Crown Estate, the local NHS, Bracknell BID and the Lexicon, alongside Abri Housing Association, Berks, Bucks and Oxford Wildlife Trust, Bracknell and Wokingham College, Vistry Group, Involve and Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action.
JCAB began as a forum set up by Bracknell Forest Borough Council to help local organisations act together to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and the energy transition. It was formed after the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2023 and the first annual climate summits, and has always involved volunteers and organisations working on themes such as transport, biodiversity, education, health and business.
According to participants, the proof of the group’s success will be how well JCAB encourages local organisations to work with the community to take meaningful action, ensuring people are fully informed, engaged and supportive of the steps taken.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
