Heat network system to benefit businesses and homes in Plymouth

A number of businesses and homes in Plymouth could soon benefit from a new heat network system.

As one of the few UK cities participating in the government’s Heat Network Zoning Pilot, the Council has been preparing for the rollout of the system’s first phase.

Heat networks, also known as district heating, involves distributing heat from a central source to consumers through a network of underground pipes carrying hot water.

This eliminates the need for individual gas boilers or electric heaters in each building, creating a city-wide central heating system.

Plans for the first phase, with up to £60m in external funding to connect major city centre buildings to the waterfront, will be presented to Cabinet on Monday, 9 September.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “This is an incredibly ambitious and complex project but 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 – be that commercial or residential – 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. I’m really pleased to support this project and commit the Council to supporting this through the first phase and beyond.”