Introducing ADE
ADE (previously known as the Association for Decentralised Energy) is the UK’s largest non-profit trade body for demand and heat networks. Founded in 1967 as the District Heating Association, the ADE represents over 150 organisations dedicated to creating a smarter energy system in the UK.
ADE is split into two functions – ADE: Heat Networks and ADE: Demand – allowing our team to focus on distinct policy areas and advocate effectively for the technologies within each function. Together, they represent a broad range of the sector, including heat network developers and providers, heat pump manufacturers, flexibility aggregators, industrial sites and thermal storage companies.
ADE's Vision
We are here to end energy waste. The UK is building record levels of renewables, yet we still waste vast amounts of power and lose enough heat to warm a majority of our buildings. Our mission is to harness this potential - turning wasted energy into lower bills.
Our members reimagine the role of energy users, instead of passive consumers, households and businesses should be active participants. By modernising market rules, we can prioritise flexibility - saving households £115 a year by 2030 and £375 by 2040 - while protecting up to 770,000 industrial jobs through industrial decarbonisation
Our members are building the infrastructure to capture local heat from rivers, data centres, and renewables, delivering it directly to communities. Today this is a growing market; by 2050, it represents a £100 billion investment opportunity for the UK.
Join us to influence policy, stay ahead of industry developments, and be part of the collective voice driving the UK’s clean energy future.
ADE: Heat Networks represents organisations that develop, operate and support communal heating systems in the UK. We exist to make sure that low-carbon heat networks play their rightful role in the energy transition.
ADE: Demand represents organisations that use, manage and optimise energy demand. We work to ensure consumers play a central role in delivering a cleaner, more flexible and more affordable energy system.
How we work
Our team brings together policy and public affairs specialists to support policymakers in developing ambitious, evidence-based decentralised energy policies. Our diverse membership enables us to identify opportunities and provide the most up to date advice on what the sectors can achieve and what they might need for growth.
ADE’s key work streams include:
Representing our members’ expertise to government and regulators through direct engagement, briefings and consultation responses.
Delivering independent quantitative and qualitative research that strengthens the evidence behind policy decisions.
Developing practical, evidence-led policy solutions that unlock investment.
Convening member forums, working groups and events to develop shared positions and turn sector insight into action.
Collaborating with other trade associations, consumer groups, local authorities and other partners to build effective coalitions for change.
Growing our cross-party ADE Vice President Network, an informal group of more than 25 Parliamentarians who support our work and champion a smarter, more resilient energy system.
Governance, Values and Responsibilities
We recognise that effective governance is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of our members, stakeholders and the wider decentralised energy community.
The Executive Board supports the ADE Team in strengthening the diversity and effectiveness of our overall governance. We also have dedicated function boards for ADE: Heat Networks and ADE: Demand. These boards are responsible for shaping strategy and overseeing key work programmes within their respective areas. Alongside this, we place great emphasis on embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the organisation and are dedicated to ensuring that our Sustainability Strategy is reflected throughout our operations.
Our framework is designed to uphold accountability and ensure a responsible pursuit of our mission. We aim to ‘lead by example’ and drive meaningful, lasting change across the sector.