New venture to develop district energy schemes in Newcastle

Newcastle City Council has entered into a pioneering new venture with ENGIE to develop district energy schemes across the city for the next 40 years.

As part of the plans, the city will benefit from a number of these schemes over the next 40 years providing businesses and residential properties with cost-effective and low carbon energy. The first of these is the District Energy Centre on Newcastle Helix, worth £20 million, which is due for completion in Autumn 2019. It will provide affordable heating to all businesses and homes on the site via a network of underground pipes

It has been calculated that over the 40-year contract period with ENGIE, this scheme alone will provide a carbon emission saving of 30,650 tonnes.

Ged Bell, the council’s cabinet member for employment, said: “This unique venture is an incredibly exciting opportunity that will provide affordable and sustainable heating, advantageous to both local businesses and residents. It is an example of how the private and public sector can work together to deliver ambitious district energy and supports our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions for a greener city. So, it is very fitting that the first one of these schemes is on Newcastle Helix, one of the largest regeneration sites of its kind in the UK, leading the way in smart and sustainable technologies."