UK Power Solutions (UKPS), a UK provider of multi-utility connections for residential, industrial, and commercial projects, has been appointed by Wates Residential to deliver a ground source heat network at the former Michaelston Community College site in Cardiff.
The scheme is expected to be the first of its kind in the city. It forms part of the Cardiff Living partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council, creating 235 homes across a 27-acre site, including 115 open-market properties, 120 council homes, and a community hub with a café and medical centre.
UKPS, alongside subcontractor Rendesco, will install a central energy centre, 47 boreholes to harness geothermal energy, and heat interface units in each home. Once complete, Last Mile Heat will adopt and operate the network.
Heat network aims to cut emissions by 80%
Rachael Grierson-Gillespie, Senior Business Development Executive at UKPS, says, “Our ground source heat network is projected to reduce carbon emissions for the development by up to 80% compared to traditional gas heating, and 54% compared to air source heat pumps.
“It will also deliver lower running costs and bills for residents, supporting regional goals to tackle fuel poverty.
“Solutions like this are crucial to delivering the affordable and sustainable housing the UK needs, and we’re proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates to councils and developers everywhere what’s possible with the right technology and financing.”
UKPS states that its asset value model will enable Wates Residential to recover nearly half of the capital cost through forward-funded rebate payments.
Since 27 January 2026, heat networks in the UK have fallen under Ofgem regulation, aligning consumer protections with other utilities.
Last Mile Heat has enrolled its 2,000 connections across 13 networks under the Heat Trust scheme.