The much vaunted £70m Bradford Energy Network has taken a step closer to becoming operational as work begins to connect Bradford College to the system.
The intention of the scheme is to scale a city-wide heat network, creating a blueprint for a £1bn national rollout.
Speaking last December, Andrew Wettern, CEO of 1Energy, who are developing the scheme said: ‘The Bradford Energy Network is a flagship project in the UK’s transition to low carbon heating. Crucially, it also provides a blueprint for national rollout, successfully demonstrating how to: deploy institutional investment alongside Government funding, deliver savings for customers in the transition, and decarbonise existing and new buildings across a city through an exemplar low carbon heat network.’
Using a heat pump-powered network to provide heat to the University of Bradford, Bradford College and Bradford Courts will reduce emissions by 85-90% and the total whole-life costs will be around 30% less than were the buildings to be heated through their own air source heat pumps.
It is predicted that the college alone will save over 285 tonnes of direct carbon per year.
Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: ‘As one of the UK’s youngest cities, Bradford must be future proofed for the next generation. Bradford College is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and we are proud to be leading the way in this crucial work. Our transition to renewable energy will benefit nearly 3,500 staff and students in two of our main college buildings and marks a major step forward in Bradford College’s sustainability efforts.’
1Energy’s Group Project Director for Bradford, Marissa Granath said: ‘The Bradford Energy Network is a huge, long-term investment in the city, and we want this to have as much impact as possible, not just on reducing carbon emissions but also bringing wider benefits to the city. 1Energy has made a number of commitments to deliver these benefits – for example, opportunities for Bradford College and The University of Bradford students to join us for work experience, placements, site visits, and learning sessions.’
Similarly, ThermaMech who are undertaking the external infrastructure on project will be providing study-programme placements for Construction and Engineering students and live project industry masterclasses.
The pipework for the Network is due to be completed later this year and an energy plant by next Spring. The network is expected to become operational by September 2026.
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