Carbon reducing heating network backed for South West

Plans for a new carbon emission-reducing, energy efficient district heating network have been unveiled by Devon County Council which will support local efforts to tackle climate change.

The initiative is being backed by Teignbridge District Council, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council with funding of up to £7.3 million contribution to the £23 million capital investment project.

Analysis has suggested that the new heat network will reduce carbon emissions from new homes planned by up to 70 per cent compared with natural gas fired boiler alternatives, delivering carbon savings of at least 2,500 tonnes per annum via a long-term low-carbon heat supply.

The new heat network will support the current Local Plan’s mixed-use development at South West Exeter which, with Teignbridge Council, Exeter City Council’s planned housing developments, will see up to 2,500 new homes in the area plus a new school campus, shops and community facilities.

With the government stopping the use of fossil fuel heating systems in new homes in the ‘shortest possible timeline’, the network heating solution will provide home owners with not only an environmentally friendly alternative but also a cost effective one.

John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: “We support the concept of this district heating system in the south west Exeter development, as we’ve seen it successfully introduced at other developments in the area such as Cranbrook and Monkerton, and it would help our efforts to tackle the climate emergency.”

Alan Connett, leader of Teignbridge Council, added: “This is an innovative way of helping future home owners with an effective energy solution for heating their homes whilst at the same time making a significant impact on our carbon savings plans. It is an example of how we as a council can work with neighbouring authorities and developers to implement solutions which improve housing while tackling environmental concerns. Until contracts are signed we can’t guarantee that the scheme will go ahead but everyone is committed to overcoming the outstanding issues and pushing forward with this innovative approach.”

Leep Utilities is working closely with ERF operator Viridor to put in place arrangements for accessing the plant’s heat. They are also in the process of negotiating terms with the development area’s housebuilders and developers in order to provide the low carbon heat to future residents and occupants.