A Network for Heating and Cooling Research to Enable a Net-Zero Carbon Future (H+C Zero Network) has been established by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to maximise the impact of UK-funded research and innovation.

It is formed by a research partnership between Durham University, Oxford University, Brunel University London, Heriot-Watt University, University of Leeds and Northumbria University.

This is underpinned by our wider stakeholder group of partners: AGFW (Energy Efficiency Association), Agility Eco Services Ltd, Association for Decentralised Energy, CIEMAT (Ctr for Energy, Env & Tech Res), Confederation of Paper Industries, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), Durham County Council, E.ON Energy Solutions Ltd, Energy Networks Association, Energy Systems Catapult, Euroheat & Power, European Energy Research Alliance (AISBL), GE (General Electric Company) ,GT Energy UK Ltd, Heat Pump Association, Institute of Materials Kensa Group Ltd, Leuphana University, Mineral Products Association, Nanyang Technological University, Narec Distributed Energy, National Institute of Technology Karnata, Nestle UK Ltd, NMAM Institute of Technology, North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), Power Roll Royal Academy of Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, SINTEF Energi AS, Star Refrigeration Ltd, Tata Steel UK Limited, The Chartered Institute of Building, The Committee on Climate Change and University of Sheffield.

Starting from October 2020, Decarbonising both heating and cooling across residential, business and industry sectors is fundamental to delivering the recently announced net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. Such a monumental change to this sector can only be delivered through the collective advancement of science, engineering and technology combined with prudent planning, demand management and effective policy.

The aim of the proposed H+C Zero Network will be to facilitate this through funded workshops, conferences and secondments which in combination will enable researchers, technology developers, managers, policymakers and funders to come together to share their progress, new knowledge and experiences. It will also directly impact on this through a series of research funding calls which will offer seed funding to address key technical, economic, social, environmental and policy challenges.

Starting from October 2020, over four years the Network will focus on the following five themes which are essential for decarbonising heating and cooling:

Theme 1 Primary engineering technologies and systems for decarbonisation

Theme 2 Underpinning technologies, materials, control, retrofit and infrastructure

Theme 3 Future energy systems and economics

Theme 4 Social impact and end users’ perspectives

Theme 5 Policy Support and leadership for the transition to net-zero