City heat network developer 1Energy has pledged 拢100m of private capital for a heat network across Derby.
The commitment follows the company securing 拢23m of investment into the project from the UK government.
According to 1Energy, the Derby Energy Network will cut city wide gas demand by around 7%, supplying the city with low-carbon heating via underground hot water pipes, using water source heat pumps to repurpose surplus heat from local businesses.
1Energy said that it could invest more than 拢140m into the network as it grows.
The developer is working with Derby City Council, the Royal Derby and Florence Nightingale Hospitals, the University of Derby and Derby College to advance the network, with plans to begin construction in 2026.
There are two key construction requirements for the Derby Energy Network: an Energy Centre and a 28km underground pipe network. The buried network will consist of flow and return pipes from the energy centre to sites across the city. These pipes will vary in size depending on the distance between the connected buildings and the Energy Centre.
The project is still in an early design phase with specialist network and energy centre designers. The Energy Centre is likely to be located on Segro鈥檚 SmartParc, with co-owned construction contractor TSL Projects leading on the shell and core of the building.
1Energy chief executive Andrew Wettern said: 鈥淒erby has long led the world in terms of innovation, from water networks to defence. We are delighted to bring long-term investment to the city and build on its rich industrial heritage, enabling leading businesses to play a key role in delivering a new utility model.
鈥淗ome to world-renowned innovators, Derby is uniquely placed to lead the transition to a more secure energy future. Alongside transforming the city鈥檚 energy infrastructure, the Derby Energy Network will give businesses greater choice and long-term price certainty. All while unlocking economic, health and environmental benefits for the city, the region and the country. We are exciting to continue working with Derby鈥檚 trailblazers to develop the network.鈥�
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