Two health trusts are among 33 schemes to benefit from a £2.7m moneypot aimed at optimising heat networks across England and Wales.

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Hywel Dda University Health Board in Wales will share in the cash, awarded to heat networks in the sixth round of funding allocated under the Government’s Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).

The revenue funding will support studies to identify issues with their unreliable heat networks, which are currently operating at low efficiency levels and causing occasional service interruptions at Croydon University Hospital and Bronglais Hospital respectively.

Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, said: “Heat network customers should be able to expect a good-quality service – delivering regular, reliable heating and hot water.

“Today’s £2.7m funding boost will transform 33 old and inefficient heat networks across the country.

“This is part of our wider efforts through the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme – with more projects set to benefit in the near future.”

Louise Singleton, principal consultant at Gemserv, added: “It is great to see HNES continuing to provide vital funding to old, inefficient heat networks across England and Wales.

“It is particularly encouraging to see applicants being pro-active once receiving the output of their HNES-funded optimisation studies.”