District heating is a system for distributing heat generated or captured in a centralised location to residential and commercial buildings in a specific area. The heat is typically produced by a central plant that can use various energy sources, including natural gas, mine water, geothermal, biomass, waste heat from industrial processes, or other renewable energy sources.
The heated water or steam is then circulated through a network of buried pre-insulated pipes to individual buildings, where it can be used for space heating and hot water. This system can be more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to individual heating systems, as it allows for better energy management and the potential to utilise renewable energy sources more effectively.
District Cooling is a centralised system that provides chilled water for air conditioning to multiple buildings within a district or community. Instead of each building having its own cooling system, a central plant produces chilled water and distributes it through a network of insulated underground pipes. This system is more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly compared to traditional individual cooling units. It is commonly used in large urban developments, commercial districts, and campuses to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
District heating offers several benefits, including:
Following a feasibility study, and various pre planning stages, we coordinate pipe routes, trenching, pipework installation, commissioning and connection to your existing, or new, plant room along with the installation of a new plate heat exchanger. We can also design and build your new plantroom and integration to your internal distribution system to offer a full turnkey solution.
Timelines vary by project size and site readiness. We provide detailed programmes aligned with your construction milestones and with our turnkey approach can offer some of the most efficient programme durations in the industry.
We coordinate closely with all project stakeholders including local business, residents and highways (if affected) to ensure projects proceed as smoothly as possible. We consistently receive praise from clients on how well we manage projects and minimise disruption.
Yes. District heating is regularly integrated into existing infrastructure, as well as new, They may require adaptations such as plant room reconfiguration or internal pipework upgrades. A technical survey will determine scope and integration options and we can then manage the whole process for you on your behalf.
Heat is typically transferred via a plate heat exchanger at the point of entry. Control is entirely managed on your side of the interface, just like a traditional system. You maintain full autonomy over distribution, zoning and building management systems – although you will likely have to return heat temperature targets to contribute to the overall efficiency of the wider network.
The energy centre and heat network are monitored 24/7. Any faults are addressed proactively via remote diagnostics or site-based response teams. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) define guaranteed response times for commercial clients. Robust disaster recovery plans are put in place that simulate all foreseeable fault risks with step-by-step protocol in place to resolve them as smoothly as possibly while providing heat typically in less than 24 hours.
An operation and maintenance contractor will typically maintain all of the external network and the primary plant. You can retain responsibility for internal distribution and equipment beyond the heat interface unit (HIU). Optional maintenance packages are available for internal plant support.
By connecting to a district heating network, you eliminate the need to install and maintain your own energy plant. This typically reduces CAPEX as well as lifetime costs whilst also simplifying design and reducing your carbon footprint in the process. Connection charges are project-specific and quoted following the feasibility study to allow you to enter a heat agreement that typically has a minimum contract period.
Billing is based on actual consumption (kWh), recorded through a metered heat interface. In addition to variable charges, a fixed standing charge covers infrastructure, maintenance and operational overheads. Transparent billing models and cost forecasts are provided up front with agreements to be regulated from 2026 onwards to provide greater customer protection.
Yes. Commercial district heating connections are supported by long-term heat supply agreements (typically 15–30 years), which secure pricing structure, performance guarantees and service levels. These are negotiable during project planning and in advance of entering a heat agreement.
Yes. Our networks are more efficient than having multiple sources of heat generation and many new networks are utilising waste heat or more efficient sources of heat. This helps commercial clients meet decarbonisation goals and planning conditions.
Absolutely. District heating supports compliance with Part L, BREEAM, GLA energy statements (in the UK), and corporate ESG reporting. It also contributes toward net zero targets and Scope 1/2 emissions reduction.
Networks are designed for long-term scalability and fuel flexibility. As the grid and energy sources decarbonise, the carbon intensity of your heating supply will also improve without needing to retrofit or replace the majority of the equipment and pipework.
The district heating provider typically owns and operates the primary infrastructure, including the energy centre and pipework up to the building’s point of entry and plate heat exchangers. This simplifies compliance and liability for the client.
Our networks are fully compliant with EN13941 and CP1 including CIBSE heat network code of practice. As a result, we are already undertaking all the anticipated requirements for the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) which comes into force in 2026.
PPSL District Heating Ltd was established in 2013 and has a proven track record in the UK heat network sector, particularly in the delivery of below-ground infrastructure — designing and installing buried pipework systems to the highest technical and safety standards. This has formed the backbone of our business for many years and we are proud to be a trusted delivery partner to some of the leading names in the industry.
In response to evolving client requirements, PPSL has taken the strategic decision to extend our offer beyond the boundary — providing a more integrated, end-to-end service that includes the internal network connection through to the plate heat exchanger and associated mechanical works. This reflects the growing demand for a more streamlined, accountable delivery model in heat networks, particularly as projects grow in complexity and ambition.
We fully recognise the massive growth currently underway in this market — driven by the UK’s push to decarbonise heat and accelerate the delivery of low-carbon infrastructure. It is clear that the existing supply chain must grow and adapt to meet the scale of opportunity and workload now emerging. Our expansion into full-system delivery is a direct response to that need, and we are committed to playing a proactive role in helping the sector scale responsibly and effectively.
The capability to deliver this enhanced scope already exists within PPSL. Our management team includes individuals with extensive experience across the full lifecycle of heat network delivery — including oversight of internal connections, plant room integration, and commissioning.
PPSL provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to commercial needs, including:
Yes, PPSL offers full turnkey solutions for district heating projects, handling everything from initial design and route planning to supply, installation, civils, testing, commissioning, maintenance and all internal / plantroom works including plate heat exchangers.
PPSL emphasises rigorous quality assurance in line with their ISO9001 accreditation, including:
PPSL has a 50+ strong team that is growing year on year, including highly experienced project managers, engineers, designers, Class 1 welders and fusion welders and delivery partners. Our team possesses decades of experience in the pre-insulated pipe and district heating and cooling industry.
PPSL invests in ongoing recruitment of experienced personnel and has a rigorous continuous training programme for all members of the team covering design, quality, Health & Safety and environmental.
PPSL has extensive experience across various sectors, including:
PPSL is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, health and safety and environmental management. We hold the following accreditations:
Yes, PPSL has demonstrated the capability to manage extensive and intricate projects. For instance, we served as the principal contractor for the east extension of the Gateshead district heating network, a project that involved installing a 4km stretch of the system along the Felling bypass. This project aimed to provide cleaner heating to local businesses and homes, showcasing PPSL’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects in a complex environment.
PPSL prides itself on being approachable, honest, flexible and solution-focused. Our culture emphasises breaking down barriers and getting the job done efficiently. We aim to be the most customer service-friendly district heating business in the industry, offering unrivalled technical knowledge and being the most trusted installer in the UK.
PPSL is headquartered at: Deakins Business Park, Egerton Bolton, BL7 9RP. We operate across the UK and Ireland, serving a wide range of commercial clients.
You can reach out to PPSL through the following channels:
