We caught up with Lauren Otway, SSE Energy Solutions, Distributed Energy, Project Development Manager for Heat Networks, to understand her views on some of the key topics of Decarbonising Heat.

Q. What is your role within SSE Energy Solutions Heat Team?

I am a Project Development Manager within the heat team at SSE Energy solutions. My role is to support the development of heat network projects by managing and bringing together a wide range of factors, including the design of the network, the business case and the contractual arrangements to deliver a network that meet carbon savings and low tariffs for customers.

Q. What other experience do you have in SSE?

I've been in this role for about a year and a half and previously had been on the SSE graduate scheme for 2 years where I did various rotations across the business before finding my project development role within the heat team.

Q. What do you find is a key challenge for businesses trying to reach net zero and decarbonise their operations?

A huge challenge for business trying to reach their net zero targets is their use of heat.

It can account for up to a third of carbon emissions so it’s a huge factor to consider for businesses when trying to reach net zero and decarbonise.

Q. Can you explain a little how heat networks can support the journey to net zero?

Heat networks are a fantastic solution to decarbonising our heat sources

They are are going to go from something that is currently on the edge infrastructure to something that will soon be central to the governments ambition of decarbonising the UK economy and reducing carbon in our cities

The heat networks industry has so far been fairly small but the introduction of zoning and sector regulation will ensure that heat networks will play a huge role in the future of delivering low carbon, affordable and reliable heat to customers.