Emissions-saving heat network for Plymouth

Implementation of heat networks could reduce Plymouth’s carbon emissions by up to 5%. 

Plymouth has been selected as one of a few cities for the government’s Heat Network Zoning Pilot. With the council already planning the project’s first phase, local homes and businesses could be among the first in the country to benefit from this innovative new system.

Heat networks function by using a central source of heat that is then distributed to consumers via a network of underground pipes that carry hot water. As a result, buildings are warmed using a city-wide, central heating system as opposed to costly and fuel-heavy individual boilers and heaters.

Waste heat, a byproduct of machinery such as those used in manufacturing and data, is utilised in heat networks and is the cheapest source of heat available to us. It also disengages heat supplies from unexpected, high energy costs and fossil fuels.

Plans for the first phase of this project have been presented to Plymouth City Council. Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Tom Briars-Delve said of the project:

“The demands of the climate emergency are such that we have to be bold in our planning for the future. Heat networks like this have got the potential to revolutionise how urban buildings are heated and, in the future, possibly cooled. Added to the end benefits of the actual scheme are the economic benefits of its construction, which will support growth with green jobs and skills development.”

Plans for Plymouth’s heat network are currently split into two zones based around the city’s existing waste heat sources. The first focuses around energy plants South West Water Central Plant and Devonport Energy from Waste Plant, and the second at Derriford, using waste heat produced by NHS Derriford’s medical waste incinerator.

If the plan is approved, PCC will seek procurement of a development partner and submit an application to the Green Heat Network fund. Plans for this first phase could see external funding of up to £60m.