AI-Powered Software for Heat Network Planning in the UK - A UKDEA Product Spotlight

Editorial originally published in UKDEA journal, authored by Sébastien Cajot, March 2026.

Trusted by over 50 energy industry leaders across Europe, Urbio is the AI-powered planning platform purpose-built to help utilities, developers, consultants, and local authorities design, deploy, and densify district heating networks — faster and more profitably.

From Data to Decisions in Minutes

Urbio is a one-stop-shop for heat network planning, combining plug-and-play data, an intuitive digital twin, AI-powered network design, automated reporting, and seamless integrations in a single web-based platform. No installation is required, and the platform covers building and energy data across the UK out of the box.

The Data Factory centralises inputs from multiple sources — local authority datasets, surveys, OS data, and users' own files — into a single, accurate digital twin. Heat density maps and building-level filters then allow engineers to rapidly pinpoint the highest-potential areas and buildings for a new network, or the best opportunities to densify an existing one.

Figure 1: Urbio's digital twin displaying heat density lines and building-level energy data.

AI Network Design and Techno-Economic Modelling

Urbio's Generative Design engine optimises pipe layouts and computes key financial metrics — CAPEX, OPEX, , heat price, CO₂ savings — directly from the map. Engineers define their goals using intuitive 'Action Cards', and Urbio generates multiple scenarios for comparison. Swiss utility CKW achieved analyses five times faster and evaluated three times as many scenarios per feasibility study as before, with automated reports ready to present to decision committees.

Figure 2: Urbio's Generative Design — AI-optimised network layouts with automated techno-economic metrics.

Bridging Technical and Commercial Teams

Urbio bridges the gap between engineering and sales. Used as a 'Spatial CRM', it overlays commercial pipeline data — customer interest, connection status, deal stages — directly onto the map. Energy provider EKT used this to spot densification opportunities and coordinate outreach, achieving a 10% increase in heat sales year on year.

An open API enables two-way sync with CRM systems such as Salesforce and SAP, so technical data reaches sales teams instantly and deal outcomes feed straight back into the network model. This prevents engineers from wasting time modelling connections for buildings that have already declined — and ensures the business plan always reflects the true commercial pipeline.

Urbio's automated reporting feature completes the picture, transforming maps and scenarios into polished, semi-automated stakeholder reports. In the UK, Heat Network Zoning consultations, public sector procurement, and investor due diligence demand clear documentation of scheme viability — Urbio reports significantly compress project timelines and keep stakeholders aligned.

For Every Organisation in the Sector

Urbio serves the full range of UK heat network stakeholders. Utilities digitise planning workflows and accelerate customer acquisition. Consultants deliver faster, more comprehensive feasibility studies. Local authorities produce heat plans and support zoning decisions. All parties collaborate within the same platform, with customisable permissions ensuring the right data reaches the right people.

Figure 3: Urbio as a Spatial CRM — commercial pipeline data visualised on the heat network planning map.

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About the UKDEA

The UK District Energy Association (UKDEA) is the knowledge hub and voice for the UK's district energy sector, representing over 170 member organisations including E.ON, Veolia, Vital Energi, Bring Energy, Ramboll, Uniper, delivering more than 1 TWh of heat per year. Founded in 2010, it is the largest representative body for district energy in the UK. Learn more at ukdea.org.uk.