Cathy Glynn-Davies (@parvaest.bsky.social)

# How does our heat network work The Worthing Heat Network is a pioneering low-carbon energy project that will deliver reliable, local heating and hot water to homes and buildings across the town. Developed by Hemiko in partnership with Worthing Borough Council, this network is part of a long-term plan to decarbonise Worthing’s energy infrastructure and support the town’s transition to net zero and a cheaper future energy source. ## What is a heat network? Heat networks operate by generating heat in one or several central locations and distributing it through a network of underground insulated pipes. These pipes carry hot water to connected buildings, where it is used for heating and hot water via a heat exchanger, a device that functions similarly to a boiler but without the need for gas. This system is not only more efficient but also significantly reduces carbon emissions. In fact, the first phase of the Worthing Heat Network alone is expected to save around 3,000 tonnes of carbon annually, the equivalent of removing 2,000 cars from the road. ### The project so far… While the construction may cause some temporary disruption, it’s a small step toward a much bigger gain. The Worthing Heat Network is a long-term investment in the town’s future, delivering cleaner air, lower heating costs alongside generating more local jobs for local residents. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient, and future-proof Worthing for generations to come. Download our Keeping Worthing Moving map ### Long term benefits for Worthing The Worthing Heat Network will have a positive impact on businesses and residents across the town. This is not theory, the first phase is almost complete with many buildings ready to connect to the network. So when you visit the Connaught Theatre or Worthing Hospital on a cold winter’s night, we’ll be there keeping you warm. And over the next 10-20 years we’ll be connecting more and more buildings, including homes. ### The Energy Hub takes heat from the air Located in front of the High Street Multi-Storey Car Park is the “Energy Hub” which will initially use an air source heat pump (ASHP). It works by extracting heat from the outside air (even in cold weather) and uses it to heat water, which is then circulated through a network of insulated pipes to provide heating and hot water to multiple buildings within Worthing. Essentially, it’s a centralised heating system that utilises a renewable energy source (the air) and offers a more sustainable, and more efficient, way to heat homes and businesses compared to lots of individual heating systems using gas. Latest updates ### In construction Construction of a heat network involves laying pipes under the roads. Once they’re in, they generally don’t need to be dug up for decades. To lay pipes under the road, we often need to dig trenches, resulting in lane or road closures. See our Latest Updates section for more information. We began construction of the heat network in the summer of 2024. We are on track to switch the heat network on in autumn, and complete the first phase of the works. Hemiko is progressing works across the town centre, currently working on: Lyndhurst Road / Chapel Road / Union Place ### When can I connect? When you can connect to the heat network will depend on how far away you are from the network, and how many other buildings in your area also want to connect at a similar time. **Non-domestic connection?** Non-domestic buildings in the town centre can connect now. Email [email protected] to request an Indicative Connection Offer. **Domestic connection?** Our goal is to make sure that the infrastructure is there ready for homes when they need it. It is unlikely that domestic buildings will want to join the heat network yet. We are hoping to trial connection of streets in Worthing. We would need 70% of the homes on a street to connect to make this workable. If you are interested in a domestic connection, please register your interest by emailing [email protected]. Join the network ### Bringing the community more than just low carbon heating #### Cleaner air for Worthing We will replace gas boilers, reducing exposure to harmful nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur oxide. Did you know 98% of Copenhagen's heat demand is supplied by a heat network? #### Energy Security Heat networks use local sources of heat, and do not need to be reliant on imported fossil gas. Being connected to a heat network is cheaper than having your own air source heat pump. #### Net Zero Heating 3,000 tonnes of carbon will be removed per year from phase one. The same as removing 2,000 cars from the road. More will be saved over time. #### Local Jobs for Local Residents We will deliver social value through employment, skills, education, and growth. #### Reliable and Efficient Heat networks are tried and tested, and able to serve entire towns and cities. #### The Cheapest Way to Decarbonise Heat networks are up to 40% cheaper than installing individual building heat pumps. #### Reducing Waste Heat networks capture and reuse local wasted and ambient heat for the benefit of local people. #### Supporting Community Decarbonisation Heat networks only work when buildings like yours connect. You make the decarbonisation of the rest of the town possible. #### Community Fund Hemiko's Community Fund will grow every year as the network expands. So far, it has invested £60K into community initiatives with more planned. ### £500m low carbon investment, without costing local taxpayers. While the project was procured by the council as part of its Climate Action Plan, no local taxpayer money is being used to build the network. Instead, Hemiko is delivering the scheme under an evergreen concession agreement, meaning the company funds, builds, and operates the network independently. The council retains oversight to ensure fair pricing and service standards, but the cost to residents and businesses is comparable to traditional utilities like gas and electricity. This model allows Worthing to benefit from cleaner, more secure, and future-proofed energy infrastructure, without placing a financial burden on local taxpayers. Join the network ### Latest news View all #### Keeping Worthing moving Keeping Worthing Moving: Weekend Parking Access and First and Last Sunday Free Parking. Hemiko has adjusted its construction schedule to minimise disruption 15th June 2025 #### Worthing Heat Network sponsors free parking and amends planned works Residents and visitors are encouraged to shop local as Hemiko, in collaboration with Worthing Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Worthing Borough Council, announces support for the town centre 2nd April 2025 #### Temporary closure of WTM Museum & Art Gallery WTM Museum & Art Gallery will temporarily close its doors to the public in March 2025 until the winter as part of an exciting and forward-thinking initiative to upgrade the building fabric and connect to the Worthing Heat Network. 1st March 2025 #### Homefield Primary Pupils Crowned ‘Net Zero Heroes’ in Hemiko Art Competition Hemiko was proud to announce the winners of its Net Zero Hero art competition, held in partnership with Homefield Primary School. 20th February 2025 #### Construction begins on the low carbon Worthing Heat Network The heat network is at the centre of Worthing Borough Council’s Carbon Neutral Plan, identified as the most economic and efficient way to decarbonise the town’s Civic Quarter. 26th July 2024 #### Worthing Heat Network The seaside town of Worthing, West Sussex, has launched an ambitious decarbonisation project – The Worthing Heat Network. It will bring climate-friendly heating offer to every building in town by 2050. 7th May 2024 https://worthingheatnetwork.co.uk/about/