SSE Energy Solutions is to develop a new £25m low carbon district heating and electricity scheme in Aire Valley, Leeds.
The scheme aims to serve local businesses including Yorkshire Water who it is estimated will save 5,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year alone – the equivalent annual electricity use of 3,200 homes.
Located south of Leeds city centre, Aire Valley is home to around 400 businesses employing around 15,000 people, mainly in manufacturing, wholesale and distribution.
The energy network is planned to be served by enfinium’s new Skelton Grange Energy-from-Waste facility which is currently under construction with HZI and scheduled for completion in 2025.
SSE is exploring potential opportunities to capture waste heat from the enfinium Energy-from-Waste facility and distribute it via insulated pipes under the ground to local businesses.
Heat networks were described as a core part of the UK government’s net zero strategy and currently provide about 2% of the UK’s heat. It was estimated by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that around 18% of UK heat will need to come from heat networks by 2050 if the UK is to meet its carbon targets cost effectively.
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This low carbon energy network is exactly the type of investment we need to see in West Yorkshire if we are to meet our ambitious target of a net zero carbon region by 2038 at the latest.
“And this is also fantastic for businesses in the Aire Valley, enabling them to lower their energy bills and increase their resilience and sustainability.”