Liverpool City Council is inviting residents, businesses and organisations to have their say on proposals for a new Heat Network Zone in Liverpool city centre.
A public consultation has now launched on a proposed boundary covering parts of the city centre and Knowledge Quarter, identified as areas where low-carbon heat networks could play a key role in cutting emissions.
Heat networks use underground pipes to distribute heat from a central source to multiple buildings, including homes, offices, hospitals and universities.
They are a proven low-carbon alternative to traditional heating systems and are already in use in parts of Liverpool.
The council is seeking feedback on plans that aim to support the UK Government’s net zero targets by reducing carbon emissions across the city centre.
The proposals form part of a national programme led by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), to identify areas where heat networks are expected to provide the lowest-cost, low-carbon heating solution.
The consultation is open from 17 June to 29 July 2026, and people can take part online, by email or by post.
Hard copies of the consultation materials, including maps of the proposed boundary, are available at Liverpool Central Library, and an online event will also be held to explain the proposals and answer questions.
Heat networks offer a range of benefits, including reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, cutting air pollution and helping to protect against volatile energy prices.
Following the consultation, feedback will be used to help shape the final Heat Network Zone boundary, with a consultation statement setting out how views have influenced the plans.
To take part in the consultation, members of the public should visit the official Liverpool City Council consultation and engagement portal online.
Local Authority Net Zero Targets and Urban Decarbonisation Strategies
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“This consultation is an important step in shaping how we heat our city centre in a cleaner, more sustainable way.
“Heat networks have the potential to play a major role in cutting carbon emissions, improving air quality and supporting our net zero ambitions.
“We want to make sure the proposed Heat Network Zone reflects the needs of Liverpool’s residents, businesses and institutions, so it’s vital that people take the opportunity to have their say.
“By working together, we can help create a more energy-efficient city that is better prepared for the future and less reliant on traditional fossil fuels.”
The implementation of underground thermal infrastructure represents a structural shift away from gas-reliant boiler configurations within municipal boundaries.
By centralising the thermal generation components, local planners can integrate diverse secondary heat captures, including industrial ambient warmth and deep geothermal sources.
This strategic direction aligns directly with broader regional frameworks aimed at updating metropolitan utility grids to meet modern environmental compliance thresholds.
Knowledge Quarter Integration and Commercial Energy Security
Including the designated Knowledge Quarter within the initial zoning layout addresses the high energy requirements of the local academic and medical facilities.
Consolidating the heating demands of large-scale public institutions creates a stable baseline load that improves the financial viability of long-term utility engineering projects.
Furthermore, shielding local commercial tenants from global wholesale fuel market disruptions serves as a key mechanism for local economic stabilisation.
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