Hemiko is developing, funding, building and operating the Worthing Heat Network in partnership with Worthing Borough Council. The heat network will deliver cleaner air, cheaper energy and local economic opportunity to the area.
Location: Worthing, England
Size: 2.2km distribution network
Benefits:
Delivering for the customer
Community benefits
The heat network uses heat from a 1.8MW ASHP with thermal store and backup boilers. Six pioneer customers are connected to the heat network including Worthing Hospital, the Town Hall, Worthing Museum, the Connaught Theatre and Worthing Museum and Gallery.
In 2026 the main spine of the network will be completed, connecting Splashpoint Leisure Centre and the Pavilion Theatre. This milestone will enable expansion to more homes and businesses and community buildings across Worthing.
Hemiko’s vision is to deliver accessible clean heat, thriving local businesses and stronger social and economic connections. This will build not just a heat network but a greener, cheaper and stronger future for Worthing.
Local impact
- The network has invested £3.8 million into the local supply chain and once complete will bring £500 million in investment.
- The project will save 3,000 tonnes of carbon per year from phase one, equivalent to removing 2,000 cars from the road.
- The project supports 48 local jobs across project management, engineering and traffic management with around 500 expected by 2050. The network has also created more than 30 opportunities for local businesses.
- Hemiko’s Green Skills programme includes participation in career events at local schools and delivering interactive workshops.
- Hemiko has developed a community fund supporting local businesses and community groups and events. To date, more than £80,000 has been allocated with further support planned as the network grows.
- There are plans and potential for the network to expand to utilise the waste heat from the local wastewater treatment works.
“We’re building long-term local infrastructure to future-proof the town, providing a secure, local source of heat for years to come. No more will the connected customers be at the mercy of huge gas price spikes such as the one we saw at the advent of the war in Ukraine. This is local infrastructure, collecting local wasted heat for local buildings.”
Toby Heysham, Chief Executive, Hemiko
“We are proud to see the Worthing Heat Network project being delivered in our town – a major milestone in our journey to Net Zero bringing low-carbon heating to our residents and businesses.”
Sophie Cox, Leader of Worthing Borough Council
More case studies in this series can be found in ‘Better Connected: Unlocking heat network potential’:
- Find out how heat networks work, the types available and the current market
- Learn how they benefit customers, communities and the energy system
- Discover the projects already being delivered by Energy UK members
