Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, toured Liverpool’s Mersey Heat Network Energy Centre this week. This visit marks the first time the Minister has seen the site in person.
Led by a district heat network specialist and delivered in partnership with a low carbon solutions specialist, the Mersey Heat Network has received substantial funding from the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP). This network aims to provide low carbon heating and hot water to both existing and new-build regeneration projects in the region, with plans to extend its reach further.
The Energy Centre initially received £1.3 million of funding in round two to develop the first phase of the network, which will connect new homes and businesses. Subsequently, it was awarded an additional £6.2 million in round eight to add one of two 3MW low-carbon heat pumps and expand the network to include Liverpool’s Three Graces buildings.
Spanning 2.3 kilometres across the city’s northern docks, the Liverpool Waters regeneration development will benefit from low carbon heat and hot water generated by a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP), which harnesses heat from the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. This innovative Energy Centre, designed and built by an advanced energy solutions company, is expected to significantly reduce Liverpool’s carbon footprint, enhancing the energy efficiency of more than 6,700 new homes, 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, the Titanic Hotel, and associated conference spaces.
Jo Longdon, Director of Strategy, expressed pride in the ongoing project, highlighting its ambition and scale. She remarked, ‘It’s a fantastic example of how we can utilise local heat sources to generate low carbon heat and we are excited for the delivery of Mersey Heat and the role it will play in future zone plans for Liverpool.’ According to Longdon, the WSHP, which will start providing heat this year, is expected to bring the region even closer to net zero by saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon annually.
Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, commented on the visit, stating, ‘It was fantastic to visit the Mersey Heat Network today, seeing first-hand how heat from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is being used to provide hot water for thousands of homes and businesses. Heat networks are just one of the ways in which we will invest in clean, homegrown power, helping to finally end our exposure to international markets and secure Britain’s energy independence.’
Chief Strategy Officer Nick Gosling echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of the network and the support received. ‘This project has been in the making since 2016 and it is an honour to show the Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP around the project as it’s coming to fruition. We are really looking forward to the continued growth of the Mersey Heat project and the low carbon savings Liverpool will benefit from.’
The project’s funding has also enabled potential extensions of the network to significant landmarks, including Cunard Building, George’s Dock Building, and the Museum of Liverpool. Earlier this year, the Princes Dock’s office buildings were the first commercial properties to connect to the network.
The completion of the Mersey Network Heat Energy Centre, located near Great Howard Street and home to the WSHP, is anticipated by the end of this financial year, marking a significant step toward enhancing Liverpool’s energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint.
