CASE STUDY 5
Futures Close Heat Programme
Case study: Domestic heating, reimagined for the future
- Project reference: · NGN_NIA_426
- Project partner: Wales & West Utilities, EIC, Leeds Beckett University, Vaillant, Baxi,
- Project status: In progress
- Overall project value: : £1,062,783
- Innovation theme: Whole energy systems
INNOVATION THEME:
The Futures Close Heat Programme, led by NGN, is a pioneering initiative aimed at identifying the most effective, affordable, and environmentally sustainable heating solutions for UK homes.
Taking place at NGN’s Futures Close testbed in Low Thornley, Gateshead, the project is a standout feature in the wider national conversation around low-carbon domestic heating. The UK faces a major challenge in decarbonising domestic heat, particularly given the age and diversity of its housing stock. Implementing heating upgrades requires a ‘whole house’ approach, giving consideration to the building fabric and heating system. Futures Close Heat Programme is the most significant step forward in solving the problem to date.
David Lynch NeRV (Net Zero Research Village) Decarbonisation Programme Leader
“Futures Close is a test and demonstration site that replicates nine real-world housing archetypes, including two 1930s semis, a 1950s bungalow, a 1990s detached home, two 1970s flats, and three 1900s terraces.
“Our core objective is to determine the optimal configuration of heating systems, controls, and fabric improvements for each house type. The solutions have to balance cost, carbon reduction, ease of use, disruption levels, and effectiveness for different customer groups. The comparisons and data will be invaluable in informing how we heat domestic properties in a net zero future.”
The project is supported by major heating appliance manufacturers (Baxi, Ideal, Vaillant, and Worcester Bosch), with additional input from advisory partners such as Cadent and BRE. Leeds Beckett University, experts in building performance, are a central delivery partner, conducting baseline heat transfer coefficient analysis to measure how much heat is lost from each property.
A series of heating systems are being trialled, including:
- Traditional gas boilers
- Hybrid and standalone heat pumps
- Hydrogen-ready boilers (pending government policy)
- Smart heating controls
- Home insulation and other fabric upgrades
Running until March 2027, the Futures Close Heat Programme will produce robust, real-world evidence which will ultimately help shape national heating strategies and offer practical insights for decarbonising homes at scale.
Key benefits
- Actionable evidence for the transition to low-carbon heating.
- Potential to inform retrofit pathways for nearly half the UK housing stock.
- Research and data open to all, including gas, electricity and water networks, academia, trade bodies, charities, housing bodies and policy makers.
