In a collaborative effort led by UK Power Networks, Thermify will work alongside Essex County Council, Power Circle, Citizen’s Advice Essex, Eastlight Community Homes, UK Community Works, and Kensa Contracting to drive a low-carbon revolution in social housing accommodations.
The Smart Heat and Intelligent Energy in Low-Income Districts (SHIELD) project, spearheaded by UK Power Networks, aims to create an inclusive approach to decarbonizing heat and energy in homes, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to net zero.
As part of the SHIELD project, innovative solutions such as Thermify’s HeatHub system, along with solar panels, wind generation storage, and electric vehicles, will be explored for installation in low-income households.
Thermify’s HeatHub system, a combined distributed data centre and heating system, harnesses wasted heat from a bank of computers deployed in households to provide hot water and heating. By using energy twice and shouldering electricity costs, Thermify offers an affordable heating system that can potentially alleviate fuel poverty in the UK.
Testing to enable low-income households
The SHIELD project is set to transform the current landscape of decarbonizing heat and energy in homes, making it more accessible and affordable for vulnerable customers. New cross-industry and community business models and mechanisms will be developed and tested to enable low-income households to transition to low-carbon solutions.
Supported by Innovate UK and funded by Ofgem through its Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the SHIELD project seeks to address carbon emissions reduction for disadvantaged residents, those living in fuel poverty, and those off the gas grid.
Thermify CEO, Travis Theune said: “Thermify is excited to be taking part in the SHIELD project. Providing low-cost heating to vulnerable people and helping to reduce fuel poverty is central to our goals and we look forward to finding innovative ways to combine technologies with project partners.”
The project supports Essex County Council’s net zero targets, which include the transition to sustainable energy.
Speaking on the latest development of the SHIELD project, Essex County Council Climate Czar, Cllr Peter Schwier said: “The SHIELD project is a brilliant example of how Essex County Council is constantly searching for and developing innovative ways to solve both climate and economic related problems. It is important that methods to reduce carbon emissions are made available to all to enable a smooth and just energy transition.”