A heat network scheme located in Liverpool has today been announced as one of four low carbon heat network projects to be awarded funding through the Government’s Heat Networks Investment Project.
Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, was initially awarded funding through the scheme in its earlier funding rounds for the delivery of the first phase of the Mersey Heat Network.
Today’s announcement centres around a second funding award of £6.2 million that will enable the scheme to transition to a heat pump rather than gas CHP. The funding will support one of two 3MW low-carbon heat pumps, the first of which will be water source heat pump and will also help to roll out the network on a larger scale.
Minister for Climate Change Lord Callanan said:
“Changing the way we heat our homes and workspaces is key to tackling pollution and today’s investment into Liverpool’s heat network will put the maritime city at the heart of the UK’s green industrial revolution.
“Ideally placed to host district heating via water source heat pumps thanks to the city’s 60 acres of regenerated waterfront, this will open up huge job and investment opportunities for Liverpool, help reduce household bills, and make the city a greener place to live, work, and visit.”
Once complete, Mersey Heat will provide low carbon heat and hot water to up to 9,000 homes and 4 million sq. feet of commercial space at Peel L&P’s £5 billion Liverpool Waters development and nearby buildings.
Jonathan Burley, Commercial Director at Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, said:
”Mersey Heat supports national and local targets to achieve net zero and we’re pleased to receive further funding to help roll-out the network on a larger scale.
“The addition of large historical buildings like the Three Graces would make a high-profile impact on reducing Liverpool’s carbon footprint and we look forward to working with the buildings’ owners and our district heat network specialists Ener-Vate to progress these designs and hopefully connect some of Liverpool’s most prestigious properties to our low carbon network.”
The announcement follows the recent publication of the Heat and Buildings Strategy, which placed a particular emphasis on the use of heat pumps in the delivery of low carbon heat.
All four successful heat network schemes announced today utilise heat pump technology and bring the total amount awarded via the Heat Networks Investment Project to over £250 million. The variety of projects that have secured funding really demonstrate the adaptability and flexibility of heat pump technology when deployed in heat networks.
Ken Hunnisett, Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management said:
“The Heat and Buildings Strategy made clear that both heat networks and heat pumps are central to the Government’s decarbonisation efforts. So, it is fantastic to see so many schemes already stepping up to combine these solutions in such innovative ways to access heat under our feet, in the air around us, in our waterways and even within our sewerage system. Not only will these inspiring projects deliver carbon savings, but they prove that heat pump technology is adaptable and can contribute to a smarter, more flexible future energy system.”
About Peel NRE Developments Ltd, part of Peel L&P
Peel NRE, through its supply company (ESCo) Mersey Heat are delivering a district heat network to the Liverpool Waters development and the surrounding areas. Peel NRE, part of Peel L&P, successfully secured funding in Round 2 to deliver the first phase of the Mersey Heat network. The scheme was initially designed on a Gas CHP generation; however, this new HNIP funding award of £6.2 million will enable the transition to a heat pump solution as the main generation source and connection of a central cluster of existing buildings with significant load (Liverpool’s The Three Graces buildings and surrounding properties). The funding will support one of two 3MW low-carbon heat pumps, the first of which will be water source heat pump.
More than 2.5km of pipework for the 4.1km network has already been installed and this new funding also enables Mersey Heat to undertake further feasibility studies. When complete, Mersey Heat will provide low carbon heat and hot water to up to 9,000 homes and 4 million sq. ft of commercial space at Peel L&P’s £5bn Liverpool Waters development and nearby buildings.
Notes to editors:
For more information about Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management and to find out how to apply for HNIP support visit: www.tp-heatnetworks.org.
A high level summary of HNIP https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-networks-investment-project-hnip-scheme-overview
For further information about the scheme and to join the HNIP mailing list to receive updates, please contact us: enquiries@tp-heatnetworks.org.
For all media enquiries, please contact: comms.ecuity@tp-heatnetworks.org.
