E.ON announces expansion of Sheffield District heating network • UK-Swedish partnership to lower energy bills for UK consumers • Fifth generation heat network to be installed in major London regeneration project • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from the UK
In a significant move towards increased low-carbon heating supply, E.ON has unveiled plans for a multi-million-pound investment to expand its district heating network in Sheffield. The initiative aims to add 10km of pipeline around the Don Valley area, more than doubling the current network, and connecting new customers.
The district heating network in the Lower Don Valley is currently powered by E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant, which uses biomass to supply heating to various buildings in the area. The proposed expansion will extend the existing 8km pipe network, bringing low-carbon and cost-effective heating solutions to a wider range of homes and businesses across Sheffield. The expansion, in addition to connecting more customers, also offers potential to tap into potential new low-carbon heat sources in the future.
This expansion aligns with Sheffield’s goal of becoming a zero-carbon city by 2030. The project is expected to create over 2 000 green jobs and contribute to the improvement of public spaces. District heating networks offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution for urban areas by centralizing heat production and distribution, as opposed to relying on individual boilers for each property. Currently, these networks meet 3% of the UK’s heat demand, a figure that could rise to 20% by 2050, significantly supporting the nation’s net-zero targets.
E.ON plans to submit a formal planning application to Sheffield City Council towards the end of the summer. The company will also launch a consultation program and host events for local residents to discuss the proposed expansion. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin by the end of 2025, with completion targeted for the end of 2028.
Read more in the press release from E.ON
A In an exciting development for UK consumers, Swedish cleantech company Aira has teamed up with UK Octopus Energy to launch two innovative green energy tariffs designed to reduce energy bills for customers. The tariffs are designed for households with heat pumps or solar panels and promise substantial savings for consumers.
The new Aira Zero electricity tariff is available for customers using Aira heat pumps. This tariff could help customers save up to 33% on their annual energy bills, translating to approximately £500 in savings for a typical British household. The tariff offers energy at a 51% discounted rate compared to the local day rate for eight hours each day, making it an attractive option for those looking to cut costs while supporting the green transition.
For households with both a heat pump and solar panels, the Aira Solar Export tariff offers even greater savings, potentially reducing energy bills by up to 44%. This tariff allows customers to sell excess solar energy back to the grid. They can choose to do so automatically at a fixed rate of 15p/kWh or manually via the Flex option, which enables them to sell surplus energy during peak wholesale prices, maximizing their financial returns.
The initiative is part of a growing trend among energy suppliers developing specialised tariffs for heat pump users, and underscores the importance of innovative partnerships to make green energy more widespread and affordable for the general public.
Read more in article from Current News
In an ambitious move towards sustainable urban living, Silvertown in London’s Royal Docks is set to become the first UK development to utilize E.ON’s innovative Ectogrid system. The project aims to create the largest ambient heating and cooling network in the UK, significantly reducing carbon emissions and input energy demand.
Traditional energy systems operate in a linear fashion, delivering heating or cooling from a central source to its destination, with no opportunity for reuse. In comparison, the Ectogrid- system creates a circular energy network where heating and cooling can be shared across multiple buildings. This to ensure energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The method is proven to reduce the overall energy demand by up to 75% and cut carbon emissions by 88% compared to traditional gas boilers.
The E.ON Ectogrid solution is based on Swedish patents, and its innovative approach was recognised by the COP28 Energy Transition Changemakers at the UN climate conference in Dubai 2023.
Read more in press release from E.ON
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