Led by Peel Group’s district heat network specialist, Ener-Vate, and delivered in partnership with low-carbon solutions provider Vital Energi, the project has received Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) funding to support its low-carbon heating and hot water systems for local regeneration projects.
Funding and expansion of the Mersey Heat Network
The Mersey Heat Network has been twice funded by HNIP, with £1.3m awarded in round 2 for the first phase and £6.2m in round 8 to expand the system. The project includes the installation of two 3MW low-carbon heat pumps and will provide heat to key buildings like Liverpool’s Three Graces.
The Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) will harness heat from the Leeds/Liverpool Canal, helping reduce Liverpool’s carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency for over 6,700 new homes and 1.3 million sq feet of commercial space.
Excitement for the project’s role in Liverpool’s future
Jo Longdon, director of strategy at Ener-Vate, expressed enthusiasm for the ministerial visit:“It was an honour to meet the Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP and showcase the Mersey Heat Network which we have been developing since 2016 on behalf of Peel Group.
“We are extremely proud of the scheme. 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.
“The funding from HNIP has allowed the Mersey Heat Network to be ambitious in scale. Our water source heat pump, set to begin providing heat this year, will bring us even closer to reaching net zero, saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon per year.”
Minister’s focus on clean energy
Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh highlighted the significance of heat networks: “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.”
Ongoing low-carbon energy growth
Nick Gosling, chief strategy officer at Vital Energi, also shared his pride in the project: “It’s always a privilege to showcase heat network projects, like Mersey Heat, as an example of what can be achieved with low carbon energy solutions and the support of funding like that of HNIP.
“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.”
Expansion and future prospects
The Mersey Heat Network is set to further expand, with potential plans to connect iconic buildings like the Cunard Building and the Museum of Liverpool.
The network continues to grow, with the first commercial buildings at Princes Dock already connected earlier this year, and the WSHP Energy Centre on track to be completed by the end of the financial year.
Image: The Mersey Heat Network