The residents of the Cornish village of Stithians were recently given the opportunity to learn more about Kensa Utilities’ ambitious vision for their community. The Cornish company hosted a series of community events to discus how Heat the Streets will transform heat supply in the village and the technology behind the project.
The attendees were given the chance to meet members of the Kensa Utilities team and discover how ground source heat pumps work. It was the first chance for many of those that have already registered to participate in the project to ask and questions and to clarify how the project will affect them and their property.
Joining the Kensa Team were representatives of both Stithians Parish Council and the Stithians Energy Group, the latter was formed with the objective to encourage and help individuals, families, and the community to reduce their carbon footprint.
Heat the Streets will show how and why street-by-street installations are the most efficient and effective way to install ground source heat pump technology at the community level needed to fight climate change and achieve the UK’s net-zero target by 2050.
Kensa’s heat network will consist of ground source heat pumps connected to shared ground loop arrays, a communal pipework system that extracts renewable heat from boreholes. The boreholes will remain virtually undetectable once installed, providing a reliable heating source all year round.
Shared ground loop arrays provide a viable renewable alternative to mains gas networks that are safe and require only minimal maintenance. Each home will receive its own ground source heat pump, giving residents complete control over their heating, independent billing, and the flexibility to switch energy suppliers.
Residents will no longer rely on carbon intensive oil or LPG fossil fuels since the ground source heat pumps will be providing 100% of their heating and hot water. By utilizing naturally replenished and freely available heat energy stored just beneath the surface of the ground, heat pumps can achieve higher heating efficiencies than every other heating system.
Using ground source heat pumps reduces each home’s carbon footprint by around 70% as they are electrically powered, non-combustion devices that produce no local emissions.
For Stithians residents that have not registered with the project they can do so here , it is also possible to book an appointment with our resident liaison officer if you wish to discuss the project further.