£13.5 million boost for Bristol heat network promises "lower bills"
The project aims to expand fossil fuel-free heating
Residents of Bristol are set to benefit from a major upgrade to the city's heat network backed by £13.5 million in funding.
As part of the government's Warm Homes Plan, this project aims to provide cleaner, more efficient heating to homes and businesses across the city.
Funds will facilitate the expansion of the Bristol City Leap heat network, offering fossil fuel-free heating through the use of heat pumps.
The initiative is expected to create over 1,000 jobs, apprenticeships, and work placements in Bristol.
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey emphasised the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels.
"The conflict in the Middle East has shown once again why we must get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and onto clean, homegrown power we control," McCluskey said.
"Heat networks will play a crucial role in that shift, lowering bills for whole communities while strengthening our energy security," he added.
Across England and Wales, £15.6 million has been allocated to improve 94 heat networks, including replacing leaky pipes and insulating pipework to reduce heat loss.
These enhancements will lower energy costs for an estimated 10,000 residents, as well as hospitals and charities.
In addition to Bristol, Rochdale will receive £1 million to construct a heat network using heat from a sewer.
This network aims to provide low carbon heat to various facilities, including schools and Rochdale Infirmary.
"Low-carbon heat networks work, they work for hospitals, they work for charities and they will work for over 10,000 residents who will now see lower bills," said Chris Unsworth, Head of ADE: Heat Networks.
"This funding will reach the strongest anchors in our communities – the places that can't afford to be left behind. We now need to go further to fix every legacy heat network, connect every public institution that could benefit and unlock the full potential of heat networks."