A project is underway to install an in-road ground source heat pump network in Cornwall, U.K., to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for residential space and water heating.

The Heat the Streets project run by Kensa Utilities will link these ground source heating systems to shared ground loop arrays, a communal network of underground pipework that will extract renewable heat via boreholes. Once installed, the boreholes will be visually unobtrusive and provide a reliable heat source. By harnessing naturally replenished heat energy stored just below the surface of the ground, the heat pumps can achieve higher efficiencies than other heating systems.

Ground source heat pumps connected to an ambient heat network draw energy from under the street. Source: Kensa Utilities

The networked heat pump system will consist of 42 boreholes, drilled to an average depth of 106 m. The ground source heat pumps emit no air pollutants and are expected to reduce the carbon output associated with heating each home by around 70%.

The utility stresses the need for effective zoning and the granting of statutory rights for heat networks to support the expanded deployment of this technology.