Newport City Homes’ Duffryn Heat Network Replacement Project is one of the largest district heating pipe upgrade projects currently being delivered in the UK. It involves replacing 7.5km of ageing pipes with a modern and highly insulated network. The project received a £3.7m grant from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), and this work will secure the future of the district heating system and deliver a better experience for customers.
We were delighted to welcome a delegation from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on Wednesday 14 February to find out more about the district heating system, see the pipework being installed, meet the team behind the project and tour the biomass energy centre.

The delegation taking a tour of the biomass energy centre which provides heat for the network
The Duffryn heat network provides heating and hot water to over 970 homes, local schools and businesses. Since installation in the 1970s, it remains an example of innovative sustainability. It uses locally sourced woodchip instead of fossil fuels, which reduces carbon emissions and contributes to better local air quality. Any waste product is given to local farmers to use as fertiliser. The new pipework will ensure the local community and future generations benefit from sustainable and reliable heating and hot water.

Vital Energi's Managing Director of Heat Networks, Ashley Walsh explaining the installation process for district heating pipework.
The heat network is being delivered in phases to minimise disruption, with completion scheduled for Spring 2024.