Liverpool has taken a major step towards its net zero ambitions with the official opening of the £7.5 million Mersey Heat Energy Centre.
Developed by The Peel Group in partnership with district heat network specialist Ener-Vate, the centre will provide low-carbon heating and hot water to thousands of homes, offices and public buildings across the city.
The scheme, supported by the government’s Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP), is central to the Liverpool Waters regeneration scheme.
The Energy Centre houses one of the UK’s largest two-stage water source heat pumps, designed by Vital Energi and supplied by Star Refrigeration. By harnessing heat from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and distributing it through a 6km district heating network, the system will cut carbon emissions by 4,200 tonnes annually while delivering 20GWh of heat – enough to serve 6,700 homes and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space.
Planning permission is already in place to expand supply to the equivalent of 17,000 homes.
Several landmark sites have already joined the network, including the Titanic Hotel, Tobacco Warehouse and Torus Housing’s Hartley Locks scheme. The Cunard Building, George’s Dock Building and the Museum of Liverpool have also committed to connect as part of the project’s expansion.
Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, said: ‘Building a cleaner, greener future isn’t just about meeting targets – it’s about improving people’s lives. The Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a fantastic example of how we can use our region’s strengths and ingenuity to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and support jobs in the industries of the future.
‘I know the scale of the challenge we’re facing – but also the scale of the opportunity. Projects like this show that we’re serious about hitting our target to be net zero by 2035, at least a decade ahead of the rest of the country, and that the Liverpool City Region is leading the way.’
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ‘The launch of the Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a landmark moment in Liverpool’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future. It is a visible example of how Liverpool is leading the way on low carbon infrastructure, protecting historic buildings, cutting emissions and creating long term green value for our communities.
‘Liverpool has long been a leader in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving net zero. It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability that benefits our communities, our economy, and our environment.
‘I’m proud to see this vision and investment come to life, creating jobs in the emerging green economy. I want to thank all the partners involved for helping Liverpool take another bold step towards a low carbon future.’
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