Carmarthenshire County Council: heat pumps for schools

Summary

Following a successful pilot, Carmarthenshire County Council secured £3.8 million through Round 1 of the Low Carbon Heat Grant in 2023 to install heat pumps in six schools. The Energy Service supported the council throughout the project, helping replace outdated oil and gas boilers and deliver wider energy efficiency upgrades.

Our support

Managed funding applications, coordinated delivery with schools, and provided technical guidance on heating system design and energy efficiency measures.

Technology solution

• 18 air source heat pumps installed.
• 13 buffer vessels and domestic hot water vessels fitted.
• Over 160 radiators replaced.
• Loft and cavity wall insulation installed.
• Upgraded electricity grid connections.
• New building management systems for heat pump control.
• Double glazing installed at one school.

Investment

• £3.8 million from the Low Carbon Heat Grant.

Impact

• Estimated 29,490 tCO₂e saved over the project’s lifetime.
• Improved comfort and learning environments for staff and pupils.
• Boosted local economy through engagement of local businesses for installation.

Thanks to the Low Carbon Heat Grant, we’ve taken the first significant steps in tackling the significant challenges associated with the decarbonisation of heating across our portfolio. Following the success of our Round 1 funded works in six primary schools, we’re now ready to begin scoping a much more ambitious phase of works that will seek to replace fossil fuel systems in our high energy consuming sites, such as our leisure centres and care homes.

David Neil Evans, Corporate Energy Officer, Carmarthenshire County Council.