ENWL045 - THISTLES
ENWL045 - THISTLES
Decarbonisation of domestic heat remains one of the key challenges in achieving Net Zero targets within Great Britain. Heating currently accounts for a substantial proportion of residential energy consumption, with a large dependency on natural gas. The widespread electrification of heat, primarily through heat pumps, is expected to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions. However, this transition presents significant challenges for DNOs, particularly in terms of increased peak demand and associated reinforcement requirements, as well as risking leaving behind customers whose homes are not suitable for Heat Pumps or Heat Network.
Project THISTLES has been developed to explore an alternative approach to low-carbon heating using HB technology. These systems store thermal energy during off-peak periods and release it when needed, thereby decoupling electricity demand from heat demand. This characteristic has the potential to reduce peak loads on the network and provide additional flexibility.
The project seeks to understand the technical, commercial, and operational viability of deploying HB at scale within domestic settings. It brings together SP ENW, technology provider Tepeo, and delivery partners including the University of Strathclyde PNDC and LCP Delta. Through a combination of modelling, laboratory testing, and real-world insights, the project aims to quantify the benefits and limitations of HB in comparison to established low-carbon heating solutions.
A key focus of THISTLES is to assess the impact of this technology on low voltage networks, including its potential to alleviate constraints and defer reinforcement. In parallel, the project explores customer suitability, whole-system benefits, and the role of flexibility in integrating heating technologies into future energy systems. The findings are intended to inform future network planning, support decision-making for DNOs, and contribute to the wider industry understanding of alternative heat electrification pathways.
Timescale: February 2026 - May 2027