The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) has just opened its tenth round, unlocking another exciting opportunity for organisations in England to make a real move towards cleaner, low-carbon heating. Whether you’re a local council, a developer, an NHS Trust, a charity, or part of a housing group or university, this funding could support the development of a new heat network or the expansion and decarbonisation of an existing one. At C3 Group, we’re here to help you take full advantage of what’s on offer.

What is GHNF?

Put simply, it’s a government-backed grant scheme that helps organisations move away from fossil-fuel-based heating systems. It provides financial support for heat networks that use low or zero-carbon sources like heat pumps, solar thermal, or waste heat from industrial processes. These networks can serve anything from housing estates and hospitals to university campuses and commercial developments — and they’re a key part of the UK’s journey to net zero.

Funding for Every Project Stage

GHNF offers capital grant funding for three different stages of project development.

• Commercialisation only — this is where funding is used to cover the early planning stages, including feasibility studies and detailed design.
• Commercialisation and construction — covering everything from the initial design all the way through to building the network itself.
• Construction only — where the design work has already been done, and the project is ready to break ground.

In all cases, GHNF will fund up to, but not including, 50% of eligible project costs.

Who Can Apply and What Are the Criteria?

There are a few criteria that applicants need to meet. Projects must be based in England and must demonstrate sufficient scale. In urban areas, that means a heat demand of at least 2GWh per year. In rural locations, networks must serve a minimum of 100 dwellings. It’s worth noting that the fund is open to applicants from the public, private, and third sectors, and it supports both new networks and the decarbonisation or expansion of existing ones.

How C3 Group Can Help

If you’re interested in the commercialisation phase, that’s where C3 Group can offer the most value. Our team has extensive experience delivering feasibility studies, concept and technical design, and decarbonisation planning — and we know how to position a project in the best possible light for funding success. We’ve supported clients in education, healthcare, housing and beyond, helping secure millions in public sector grants.

Our Approach: Practical, Personal and Proven

What makes us different is how we work. We don’t drown you in engineering jargon or leave you stuck trying to translate a technical report for your stakeholders. Instead, we work closely with you to understand your goals, your site, your budget, and your long-term vision — and then we shape that into a compelling, fundable proposal. From initial heat demand modelling and site assessments to stakeholder engagement and technical drawings, our in-house team can take care of it all. And if you’re not yet sure if a heat network is right for you, we can help with that too.

We also offer strategic advice on how to align your application with GHNF’s scoring criteria. This includes carbon reduction potential, cost-effectiveness, deliverability, and how your project will contribute to local and national energy strategies. We’ll work with you to highlight your project’s strengths and address any areas of risk, helping give your application the best possible chance of success.

Don't miss the deadline: Round 10 of the Green Heat Network Fund will close on Friday 7th November 2025. 

That may feel like plenty of time, but for organisations applying for commercialisation support — where technical and financial groundwork is essential — it’s best to start early. A well-prepared application takes time to shape, and we’re here to help you get there with confidence.

C3 Group is ready to support clients at all stages of their heat network journey. Whether you need help starting from scratch or refining a concept you already have, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to support you every step of the way.

If you’d like to talk about how GHNF might work for your organisation, just drop us a line. We’re always happy to chat through your ideas — no pressure, no jargon, just honest advice and expert support.

Let’s turn your decarbonisation ambitions into action.