Altecnic Release Heat Networks Focused Issue of Idronics UK

The eighth issue of Idronics UK delivers essential guidance for professionals working in heat networks, offering detailed technical insights, regulatory updates and best practice to support the UK’s transition to low-carbon communal and district heating.

 

Altecnic Ltd has launched the latest edition of the technical journal, Idronics UK. This new issue focuses on heat network performance, BESA testing updates, HIU technology and system design, providing critical knowledge for specifiers, consultants, contractors and developers.

 

Setting New Standards for Performance in UK Heat Networks

The lead editorial explores how the updated BESA HIU Test Regime (2023) has become the defining benchmark for HIU performance in the UK. The regime introduces clearer pass/fail criteria, assesses real-world performance under varying temperature conditions, and places a strong emphasis on achieving low return temperatures. This is a vital requirement for the long-term efficiency of heat networks.

With heat networks set to supply nearly a fifth of UK homes by 2050, the editorial highlights the test regime’s importance in improving transparency, guaranteeing consumer outcomes, and reshaping how HIU manufacturers innovate.

 

To further support this transition, one article provides a clear explanation of the upcoming Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), the new regulatory framework under the Energy Act 2023. This article outlines why regulation has become necessary, emphasising historic underperformance, inconsistent design standards, and limited consumer protection across the sector. HNTAS will introduce enforceable technical standards for:

• lower heat losses
• improved network efficiency
• stronger accountability
• verified HIU and system performance

 

Heating: Understanding ‘Keep Warm’ Control

A further technical editorial highlights the system-wide implications of keep warm control, challenging the perception that it is merely a comfort feature. Poorly managed keep warm significantly raises return temperatures, increases energy losses and impacts the overall efficiency of heat networks. The article provides best practice on configuring standby flows, scheduling to reduce losses and maintaining low return temperatures.

This guidance is particularly relevant as more networks seek to comply with CP1 (2020) and prepare for HNTAS regulation.

 

Milestone News for Altecnic

Also featured in this issue of Idronics are several major milestones for Altecnic, including the outstanding BESA test results of the SATK32107 HIU, which achieved more best-practice criteria than any other unit currently tested in the UK. This achievement reinforces Altecnic’s commitment to high-performance, independently verified solutions that support the future of low-temperature heat networks.

The issue also features the official opening of Francesco House, Altecnic’s new UK headquarters and training facility, designed to enhance innovation, collaboration, and industry education.

 

Helen Cooper, Head of Marketing, commented, “As the heat network sector continues to evolve, our priority is to equip the industry with the knowledge, clarity, and confidence needed to meet new standards and deliver truly efficient systems. Issue 8 of Idronics UK reflects that commitment by bringing together independent testing insights, regulatory updates, and practical guidance to support our customers as they navigate this next chapter in low-carbon heating.”

 

The issue of Idronics is now available digitally and can be accessed when subscribed via the link https://www.altecnic.co.uk/technical-hub/idronicsuk/

 

Alternatively, you can request a physical copy by emailing marketing@altecnic.co.uk or by sending us a DM on one of our social pages.