With the right policy frameworks, the Council aims to support £30-50bn of investment and the creation of up to 35,000 new direct jobs by 2050. Other ambitions include delivery of:

• Universal zero carbon heat networks by 2035;

• The capability (investment, skills, supply chain) necessary for 18% of UK heat demand to be met through heat networks by 2050;

• City-wide strategic heat network plans for all major cities by 2030;

• Consistent and excellent customer experience for all heat network users;

• Efficient and low cost, digitally-enabled heat for all networks

Kirsty Lambert, director of Switch2 and council member, said: 'We are proud to come together with fellow business leaders across the heat network sector to form the Heat Networks Industry Council and develop the UK's next generation heat networks. These innovative district and community heat schemes can provide a proven and affordable solution to the urgent heat decarbonisation challenge and reinforce the economy by creating skilled green jobs.'

Dan McGrail, chair of The Heat Networks Industry Council said: 'The heat networks industry can play a big role in helping the UK reach our net zero carbon targets. The pandemic has caused a difficult economic situation but, today, our industry is setting out our shared ambition to create investment and jobs, accelerate carbon reduction, deliver consistent and excellent customer experiences and ultimately create smarter, more liveable cities across the country.'

The Heat Networks Industry Council brings together leaders of the heat networks industry to support Government in achieving its vision of achieving a sustainable industry. The Council has been established by the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) which provides the Secretariat.

Founding members include Siemens, SSE Heat Networks, Veolia, EDF Energy, Energetik, Switch2, EON-UK, Vattenfall, Pinnacle Power, Vital Energi, Engie, Ramboll, Jeremy Bungey sitting as an Independent and Metropolitan. New members include Guru Systems, Insite Energy, London & Quadrant, Star Renewables, Uniper, Bristol Council, Enviroenergy and Viridor.