Liverpool city centre heat network consultation: have your say on low-carbon heating plans

Liverpool City Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed Heat Network Zone for the city centre and Knowledge Quarter. The zone would use underground pipes to distribute heat from a central source to homes, offices, hospitals, and universities, replacing traditional fossil fuel heating. The goal is to cut carbon emissions and improve air quality as part of the UK's net zero targets. The consultation runs from 17 June to 29 July 2026, with online and in-person options to give feedback. Heat networks are already used in parts of Liverpool and are seen as a low-cost, low-carbon solution for dense urban areas. The proposal is part of a national programme led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to identify where district heating makes the most sense. Residents and businesses can review maps at Liverpool Central Library or join an online event. Feedback will shape the final boundary before implementation. The council emphasizes that heat networks can reduce reliance on volatile energy prices while cutting emissions. This is a concrete step toward decarbonizing the city's heating, which is a major source of urban carbon output. For anyone in the affected area, this is a chance to influence local climate infrastructure directly.