Heat networks, also known as district heating systems, supply heat to one or multiple buildings from a central source, such as a boiler or heat pump. These systems are becoming increasingly popular to decarbonise heat, however, they can be inefficient and costly to operate.
Evinox provides a range of equipment and services to heat network operators. The company has developed remotely connected heat interface units (HIU) designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance.
Minibems has developed advanced control technology which optimises the operation of heat networks in real-time using algorithms to predict and optimise the flow of heat to meet demand.
Minibems CEO Simon Gunter, who will continue as executive chairman of the combined entity, said: "Combining Evinox smart HIUs with Minibems optimisation technology will help heat network operators to maximise efficiency and reduce the energy bill to residents."
This partnership ensures that heat networks can fulfil their commitment to decarbonise heat by reducing the carbon intensity by 1 tonne per apartment each year in existing networks, as well as by enabling the use of heat pump pumps as a low-carbon source of heat. In the UK, more than £500 million in government funding has been made available to drive adoption to 20% of building stock.
The combination will trade as Evinox Group and has more than 100 employees, working from offices in Chessington and Bournemouth in the UK and a manufacturing facility in Brasov, Romania.