Milestone approaches for proposed district heat network project
Plans for Huddersfield District Energy Network (HDEN), also referred to as a “heat network”, will go before the Cabinet of Kirklees Council next month.
It is considered a key piece of infrastructure to help the district achieve its ambitious target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038.
The system, which features a network of underground insulated pipes, distributes heat in the form of hot water from a centralised heat generation plant to different buildings.
These buildings are then provided space heating and hot water from the network instead of via traditional individual gas boilers.
Electricity can also be delivered to buildings via a separate electricity network called private wire.
An existing Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plant in Huddersfield would function as a central heat and electricity generation plant, harnessing the heat already produced there for the network.
A separate energy centre, proposed to be located at a nearby council-owned site, would house pumps to propel water around the network and vessels to store hot water.
It will also contain backup gas boilers for providing heat during periods when the EfW is offline due to planned maintenance or unexpected outages. Back-up electricity would be provided via the national grid.
Kirklees Council says if the scheme is approved and constructed, it is expected to achieve carbon emission savings of around 70% when compared to typical gas boilers, as well as create air quality improvements.
Councillor Naheed Mather, cabinet member for environment and Cllr Will Simpson, cabinet member for culture and Greener Kirklees said: “District Energy Networks are recognised by central government as one on the most effective ways of decarbonising the local heat supply in urban areas.
“We recognise the challenges of a changing climate facing the district and are making changes to meet the important target of net zero in 2038 for the benefit of Kirklees residents, its wildlife, landscape and biodiversity.
“The scheme would make a significant dent in the decarbonisation of Huddersfield town centre.”
To progress the project to the next stage, additional funding is required which the team hopes to raise through a bid to the Green Heat Networks Fund (GHNF) – launched by the Government in March this year.
A council Cabinet decision was made in February 2021 to undertake an Outline Business Case. With this now complete, decisions are required on the next phase including progressing to a full business case.
