The challenge

The UK’s 30 million homes and buildings are directly responsible for almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy (2021), making heat decarbonisation one of the UK’s key net-zero priorities. Yet much of the building stock still relies on gas-fired boilers and conventional HVAC systems.

While heat pumps and other low-carbon technologies are gaining traction, many existing buildings face practical barriers to adoption, including cost, complexity, space constraints and disruption to occupants. At the same time, building owners face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, improve EPC ratings and meet ESG commitments. Meanwhile, despite significant global interest in graphene, many innovations using the material have struggled to move beyond the laboratory.

The solution

JustHeat is the result of more than a decade of graphene research and development by Haydale’s scientists and engineers in South Wales. Using Haydale’s proprietary HDPlas® process, graphene – known for its ability to conduct heat quickly and efficiently – has been incorporated into a thin heating layer that can be manufactured at commercial scale.

The ultra-low-voltage radiant heating system delivers even warmth while eliminating the need for boilers, radiators, pipework, refrigerants and outdoor units. It is compatible with solar PV, battery storage and smart controls, and is suitable for both retrofit and new-build projects.

How the project works

JustHeat is supplied as a thin, flexible heating layer that resembles a roll of black film. Unlike conventional wet underfloor heating systems, which require pipes, pumps and extensive floor construction, it can be cut to length on site and laid beneath carpet, vinyl, laminate and wood flooring.

The system operates safely at 48V. Most of the installation can be carried out by flooring or refurbishment contractors, with a qualified electrician only required for the final connection. This enables installation in occupied homes, care settings, hotels, offices, schools and commercial buildings with significantly less disruption than many traditional heating upgrades.

The results

Independent testing has shown that JustHeat uses up to 39% less energy than traditional electric underfloor heating, warms up from 22°C to 30°C in approximately 75 seconds and offers room-by-room control to reduce unnecessary energy use. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% when powered by renewable electricity or a decarbonised grid.

Applications are emerging across housing, commercial and specialist environments. The Duchy of Cornwall, led by Prince William, is exploring JustHeat for its rental homes and new-build pipeline, including potential trials combining the system with solar and battery storage. The Electric Barge project in Paddington is using JustHeat as its primary heat source, powered directly from a battery, highlighting potential for maritime, off-grid and low-energy settings.

In Jersey, JustHeat has been tested in social housing, where its rapid warm-up and heat retention are especially relevant to affordability and comfort. The technology is also being considered for mobile homes, caravans and camping, and has been identified for agricultural greenhouses. JustHeat has achieved UL certification, independently verifying its safety and performance standards and opening opportunities for North American deployment.