E.ON announces multi-million pound investment to expand heating network
The customer-first home energy supplier has unveiled the plans with an aim of creating new sources of low carbon heating that might otherwise go to waste.
Currently E.ON have a district heating scheme in the Lower Don Valley, Sheffield that is powered by the organisations Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant. The project uses biomass to provide a source of heating to connected buildings – not only does this assist with the climate crisis, but it also helps keep people’s energy bill down.
The company are looking to expand the 8km pipe network, connecting new businesses and homes across the Northen eastern city.
‘Whether it’s combating the climate crisis, cleaning the air in city streets, or weaning the UK off fossil fuels to avoid the impact of volatile global gas markets, we need to find new, cleaner ways of heating our homes and businesses. Heat networks like ours in the Lower Don Valley allow us to do that,’ Chris Lovatt, chief operating officer for E.ON’s energy infrastructure solutions business, said.
‘We are the playmakers in creating a more sustainable UK through projects like this, and with Sheffield’s bold steps to become a zero-carbon city by 2050 we’re looking to expand the route of our district heat network to play a role in that ambition. As part of our ongoing investment in the city we’ll be looking to create more than 2,000 green jobs in the region as well as improving public spaces – leaving every space we touch better than when we found it.’
The demand for heat networks within the built environment has increased over the last few years as a result of private housebuilding companies strengthening their net zero goals and households realisation they can save money on their energy bills – an area that is particularly squeezed as a result of the cost-of-living.
Earlier in the year, as part of Bristol City Leap, Vattenfall Heat UK started serving the equivalent of 5,000 homes with heating and hot water in the Bristol Heat Network. Over the next five years Bristol City Leap plans to deliver a total of £750m in the decarbonisation of Bristol and create 1,000 jobs in the process.
As it stands, there are now 28 commercial and residential buildings connected to the city’s heat network.
Chris Lovatt added that should E.ON’s new plans be approved they will be ‘working with local residents, businesses and community groups to deliver initiatives that improve the city: improved pathways and cycle paths, planting trees and shrubs, as well as creating warm spaces and educational workshops.’
A formal planning application could be submitted to Sheffield City Council towards the end of Summer, with E.ON launching a consultation programme and events for local residents in the coming weeks. If planning consent is granted, construction would begin towards the end of 2025 and continue until the end of 2028.
Image: Harrison Qi
£300m announced for development of zero emission heat networks
