Community Event – Saturday 7th June
For those of you who were unable to come along to the event for residents to learn about Grantchester HeatLink, and give feedback, we give below a link to a PDF of the full set of material that was on display.
Once you have had a chance to consider these (or if you came to the event and were unable at the time to complete the survey) we would very much appreciate it if you could complete a copy of the survey. This is a link to the survey: HeatLink survey.
The survey is being managed and analysed by our communications company Line Undrawn and individual responses will remain confidential.
Grantchester HeatLink
Is there an affordable renewable heating option for our Village? Grantchester HeatLink is working with Engineers to find out.
The story so far
In 2022, Grantchester Parish Council set up HeatLink. A technical study was commissioned, to see what renewable heat options are possible in Grantchester. The study, produced by Scene, recommended a heat network powered by a river-source heat pump.
This report enabled the Parish Council to apply for a second grant to produce a more advanced study. Equans were appointed by competitive tender, and are due to complete the study by April 2025. This is the same team that delivered the Swaffham Prior heat network project.
Both studies have been fully funded by the Rural Community Energy Fund.
Why HeatLink?
There are many renewable heating options out there, but not everyone can afford a heat pump, or find that it is suitable for their home. HeatLink is taking a community approach, to widen access to renewable heat. Our goals are;
- To offer good value, renewable heat, from installation to day-to-day use
- End our reliance on oil, 54% of Grantchester homes use oil boilers today
- Be compatible with existing homes, heating systems and our village
Reasons to go renewable…
The UK has committed to meeting the Global Carbon Budget by reducing national emissions. 17% of UK carbon emissions occur from heating buildings.
Switching to renewable energy has local benefits, it would reduce air pollution, end local oil deliveries, and free-up garden space.
What technology will HeatLink use?
We are working with Engineers to understand the options available to our village. They are investigating a heat network that serves all, or part of the village. The heat network is likely to make use of an Air Source Heat Pump, Thermal Stores (large hot water batteries), and an electric boiler. Our aim is to maximise compatibility with as many homes as possible, so a ‘high temperature’ heat network, delivering temperatures of around 70degC is targeted. A heat network – delivers hot water from an energy centre to multiple buildings via underground, insulated pipes. A similar project has been delivered in Swaffham Prior, East Cambridgeshire.
To support the project finances and electricity requirement, a parallel community energy project may also be considered.
Ways to get involved:
If you would like to support the project, please email Janet Hall j@lineundrawn.com
Get in contact
If you have any questions about the HeatLink project, please email Janet j@lineundrawn.com
For general advice on keeping your home warm during winter, have a look at our advice page on the website
(updated 16 6 2025)