The NESTA datasets aim to identify the most suitable low-carbon heating technologies for neighbourhoods in Great Britain.
Found in the 'Renewable Potential' data folder, the NESTA datasets include:
Shared Ground Loop Suitability
Heat Network Suitability
Air Source Heat Pump Suitability
Ground Source Heat Pump Suitability
Many current assumptions about suitable sites for technologies such as heat pumps are not backed by detailed, robust local data. This can lead to homes being excluded from options where they might actually be viable, or over‐assuming suitability where it might be weak. NESTA aims to create a reliable and freely accessible dataset that provides insight and local context for low-carbon heating.
The methodology includes investigating features of individual properties such as EPC rating and garden size, as well as features of larger areas, such as population density and urban/rural status. More info about their methodology can be found on NESTA's website.
These datasets complement Advanced Infrastructure’s existing renewable potential datasets already in LAEP+, allowing you to utilise data from both sources to get a comprehensive view of potential for renewable technologies.
Viewing the NESTA data at LSOA level makes it easy for you to spot where individual heating systems would work best, versus where shared solutions could be the smarter choice. Then, get more granular and use Advanced Infrastructure’s building-level data to identify which properties are suitable for retrofit.
Read more about the NESTA data here.
NESTA dataset for Air Source Heat Pump Suitability