Electricity System Benefits of Heat Networks
This study demonstrates the electricity system benefits of heat networks for the UK’s energy system by 2050, using the Whole Electricity System Investment Model (WeSIM). This work was conducted by…
The driving force behind change
ADE is the advocacy driving force behind the UK’s demand-side energy and heat networks sectors. Supported by our members we shape policy, deliver ground-breaking research and unite industry to build a secure, affordable, net zero energy system.
Policy and Advocacy
We secure wins that matter - £195m a year for heat networks, shaping the £15bn Warm Homes Plan, delivering Flexibility Commissioner, Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility for heat batteries and 1.2m industrial jobs mapped.
Research and Insights
From mapping industrial decarbonisation to proving heat networks' economic value, our cutting-edge research reshapes debates and directly informs top-level government strategy.
Connecting Industry
We connect members and policymakers. Through our annual ADE Awards, conferences and events, we bring technologies together and unlock business opportunities across the sector.
Political engagement
Political engagement is where ADE turns relationships into influence. We are a trusted, persistent presence in Westminster and beyond - connecting members with the people who shape energy policy. Working alongside our growing network of Parliamentary Vice Presidents - we ensure clean energy sets the political agenda.
From consumer protections to heat network regulation to flexibility to industrial decarbonisation, our advocacy opens doors, changes minds and delivers results. When key decisions are made, ADE is in the room - making sure our members are heard at the highest level, every time.
Our flagship events include:
Parliamentary Receptions for ADE: Heat Networks and ADE: Demand.
Our annual Vice Presidents’ Dinner, celebrating the Parliamentarians championing decentralised energy.
The ADE Awards, recognising best practice and innovation across the industry.
Party conference events and engagement. In 2026, our team attended all five party conferences: Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green and Reform UK.
ADE's bespoke research
Our in-house research team brings evidence and insight to the challenges facing our sectors. With dedicated researchers in both ADE: Heat Networks and ADE: Demand, we combine specialist expertise with a close understanding of industry priorities.
ADE offers members access to research insights, opportunities to collaborate on commissioned projects and dedicated research membership services. We also work with non-members on commissioned external research. The team has previously collaborated with entities such as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Greater London Authority and WWF. Our flagship reports showcase this work, exploring the issues and opportunities shaping the sector.
Cost of heat s remains one of the key challenges for low-carbon, communal heating. Heat networks can be the lowest cost solution, but only when externalities such as jobs, carbon emissions and grid infrastructure are factored into the cost of heat.
This report sets out the practical Industry commitments and interventions Government and sets out short-term, medium-term and long-term measures to ensure low-carbon investment and affordability.
Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs) will define our energy system in the decades to come. With NESO outlining 11 RESP regions across Britain, these will coordinate whole-system planning across the energy system. They present a huge opportunity to reimagine our energy system yet prominence is still given to generation and networks.
With the final RESP methodology set to be signed off in late 2026, ADE: Demand published its RESP Vision report over the summer to set out a positive vision for regional energy planning where treating energy demand as a flexible, system-shaping asset delivers a cheaper, more resilient and fairer energy system.
