District One by Ramboll

AI optimised heat network design

Electric wires and district heating tubes at sunrise

District One: Advancing UK’s district heat networks

In support of the UK Government’s 2050 Net Zero ambition, heat provided by district heat networks will increase from 3% today to 20% by 2050. This ambition combined with the National Heat Network Zoning Policy*, which comes into force in 2025, will transform the development of heat networks in towns and cities across England.

Pioneering tools that supercharge heat network delivery

To effectively deliver on the roll out of district heat networks, Ramboll has invested in an AI optimised heat network design platform, which supports landowners, energy companies, developers, government, and local authorities exploring heat network routes, by using a bespoke spatial machine learning algorithm that generates intelligent designs fast. Based on local data, the platform supercharges citywide heating and cooling network routes and design.

District One has transformed the way we engage with partners and clients, who experience the product via an online interface, which becomes the hub for our design process. It enriches and accelerates the programme by empowering deeper collaboration across the value chain. District One is a new paradigm for energy systems design delivery, with co-creation and sustainability at its core.

Benefits

Fast, our bespoke spatial machine learning algorithm generates and assesses citywide heat networks scenarios in minutes to produce preferred pathways;
Iterative and collaborative, the platform facilitates valuable discussions with partners on preferred pathways, to unlock greater opportunities for the proposed systems;
Compatible, District One data is easily imported from, and exported to all accredited CAD and GIS data standards;
Intelligent, it holistically integrates existing infrastructure data and local knowledge to enable better informed decisions early in the network planning, enhancing feasibility, buildability and sustainability;
Engaging, the online 3D interface enables users and communities to visualise the scheme, supporting stakeholder engagement.

Ramboll - the leading global district heat network consultant and engineer

Ramboll is the leading consultant for district heat networks across the world and has worked closely with Government departments in the development of national methodologies, heat network zone identification and zoning programmes.

We design fully integrated thermal and cooling energy systems for cities and campuses of all sizes. And we do it through renewable energy that ensures consumers get access to affordable, reliable energy.

*National Heat Network Zoning Policy will identify designated zones for district heat networks where they are expected to offer the lowest-cost solution for decarbonising heat, enabling local communities to accelerate the development of heat networks and homes and businesses to access greener, more affordable heat.