Kensa Heat Pumps has partnered with Coastline Housing to deliver Cornwall’s first ‘micro ground-source heat network’ project, attracting income via the Non Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive and slashing tenants’ heating bills.
The project also featured the first ‘micro district ground-source heat network’ in Cornwall. Pioneered by Kensa, Coastline’s heat network comprises an individual ground-source heat pump in twelve bungalows on one of Coastline’s estates, linked to a communal ground array. This communal approach reduced drilling costs and made the project eligible for the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), giving Coastline Housing the opportunity to receive quarterly payments from the government for 20 years.
It also ensured that the tenant of each property can use its own preferred energy supplier and pay only for the heat they use, rather than more common district heating systems where it becomes necessary to meter for payment, which is more complicated for both the landlord and tenant.
The ground source heat pumps provide 100 per cent of each property’s heating and hot water needs and are expected to save each tenant around £300 per year compared to the previous electric Economy 7 systems.
Ralph Retallack, energy efficiency manager, Coastline Housing, said, “We are the first housing provider in Cornwall to install this type of micro district ground-source heat network system. It allows our tenants to retain control of their individual electric bills, which is more convenient for them and saves Coastline having to become involved in any billing.
“This was very much a ‘hands off’ project for Coastline once work commenced. We have been impressed with the level of care and consideration for our tenants’ needs; the swift and professional delivery of the physical work; and importantly the careful restoration of areas where the borehole drilling took place. In addition, it has been great to be working with and supporting a fellow Cornish company.”
