Funding to build green heat networks

A new green heating project has received a share of £80.6 million to heat nearly 2,000 homes and business with sewer power.

Waste heat from Bolton's sewer will be used to heat homes and businesses in the town. The project is backed with £11 million.

Energy will be extracted from both sewage and waste hot water from washing machines, bathrooms and kitchens to fuel a new heat pump, as part of Bolton’s first district heating network.

Other projects in Exeter, Hull and London have also received funding.

The Exeter Energy Network will receive £42.5 million to build a heat network using air source heat pumps and the UK’s largest high-temperature water source heat pump. It is hoped that buildings connected to the network will see an initial reduction of 65-75% in carbon emissions compared to gas heating.

The Hull East District Heat Network has been awarded £22 million to build a heat network using excess heat generated by a nearby chemicals park.

the Greenwich Peninsula ESCO District Heating Network in London will receive £4.6 million to connect more than 9,000 existing and new homes, as well as over 94,000 square metres of commercial space to low-carbon heating. An air source heat pump will be fixed on the roof of the Greenwich Peninsula Energy Centre.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: "These innovative projects will help drive down energy costs while also demonstrating why the UK has led the way in cutting carbon emissions.

"They show how energy sources can be found in the most unexpected places – as more homes and businesses will benefit from cleaner heating and lower energy bills.

"Our upgrades will also make sure our existing heat networks are upgraded – so customers can get the reliable heating supply they deserve."