Very first low carbon heat network project to receive GHNF funding celebrates an important milestone, as it begins heating communities.
Bradford Energy Network, which received £20 million from the Green Heat Network Fund in its first round, has today begun operating, generating low carbon heat for communities across Bradford.
The network is now heating Bradford’s Grade I listed City Hall, courts, council buildings, the University of Bradford, and Bradford College. Upon completion, the network is set to supply the equivalent of 10,000 homes per year.
Low carbon heat is currently delivered by large air source heat pumps (ASHPs), utilising excess heat generated from a next-generation data centre. The heat source will help to cut gas demand in Bradford by 75%, increase energy security by cutting the amount of imported gas used, while protecting customers and homes from international price shocks.
The heat network is also expected to cut carbon emissions by at least 75%, the equivalent of removing up to 15,000 short haul flights per year. 1Energy are already in conversation with other significant heat users across the city to further expand heat provision.
The heat network is built on the site of the city’s former 19th century gasworks, marking a new chapter for Bradford’s energy system. Additionally, Bradford’s new ASHPs are some of the UK’s largest, enabling buildings to decarbonise quickly and cost effectively.
Ken Hunnisett, Head of Clean Heat at Triple Point, said:
“It’s the strings you attach to public money that shape the market you end up with. The Green Heat Network Fund has always been about more than paying for pipes in particular places. It’s about building an industry that private capital will back on its own terms.
“Bradford shows that working brilliantly well: a £20m grant unlocking more than £55m of private investment, heat pumps replacing gas boilers at the university, college and courts, and a blueprint for success that the 1Energy team is now taking to other towns and cities.”
Cllr Andrew Judson, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“Bradford is showing other cities what can be done by delivering modern energy infrastructure that supports our regeneration ambitions and strengthens the city’s offer to businesses and developers. It is an achievement the whole city can be proud of, showing how Bradford is leading the way in building a more resilient local economy.
“By reducing reliance on imported gas and improving air quality, the network will bring lasting benefits for local people. As it grows, it can support more businesses and buildings, providing infrastructure that helps Bradford attract further investment and thrive.”
John Hartley, CEO of 1Energy, said:
“For generations, this site supplied the gas that powered Bradford. Today, it begins a new chapter, providing low-carbon heat for some of the city’s best-known buildings and putting Bradford at the forefront of modern energy infrastructure.
“Connecting to the Bradford Energy Network gives organisations a practical way to reduce their reliance on gas, moving away from ageing boilers and towards modern energy infrastructure that will strengthen the city’s energy resilience. This £75 million investment creates infrastructure that can grow with Bradford and support its businesses and public services for decades to come.”
