The role of intermediaries in the transition to district heating

For those countries, such as the UK, in which district heating and cooling has previously played little role in the energy system, the technology often struggles to break through the numerous and complex barriers to its introduction in the context of liberalised energy markets and competition with incumbent technologies such as natural gas networks. Progress is often slow and best practice is yet to be established. ‘Intermediaries’ are actors who facilitate knowledge sharing and build actor networks to enable the introduction of new technologies. This paper uses a case study of the UK to explore where and how the activities of these intermediary actors are currently supporting district heating development. An innovative method called a ‘decision theatre’ was used to collect empirical evidence from a range of local stakeholders involved in district heating projects. This method, which took place in the format of a group workshop, enables understanding of the interactions between stakeholders through each stage of the district heating development process. Lessons are drawn from this case study with regard to how intermediary activities can support the development of district heating in areas with little previous history of such systems. Three geographical scales of intermediary activity are identified (local, regional and national) as having different roles in enabling delivery of new district heating projects. Interactions between the three scales and how their roles might change as the sector develops are explored. The paper will highlight implications of the study for policymakers. In particular, a role is identified for intermediaries in creating a supportive institutional and policy environment that can enable development of large-scale, strategic networks.