£22m to geothermal heat network • University achieves zero waste to landfill certification • UK Government grant backs green energy centre • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from the UK
A ground-breaking green energy scheme in the Southwest of the UK has received a significant boost with £22 million in new funding from the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF). The project, led by a consortium of clean energy companies, aims to transform the region’s energy supply, and contribute to the country’s sustainability goals. The funding will enable the consortium to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions and lowering consumers’ energy bills. The investment not only helps to combat climate change but to stimulates the local economies by creating job opportunities and supporting communities.
The project is the UK’s first heat network using a geothermal source and is to be built at the Langarth Garden Village near Truro. IT is run by Cornwall Council and aims to provide power and heat for 3,800 houses in the village – as well as the Royal Cornwall Hospital, schools, and a leisure centre. The new heat network is set to be ready by 2026, drilling to a depth of 5,275 meters to extract heat from the granite beneath the United Downs Industrial Site.
The Southwest region, known for its ample wind and solar resources, holds tremendous potential for renewable energy generation. By harnessing these resources through innovative technologies, the project will make a substantial contribution towards the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The construction of renewable energy installations and grid infrastructure will enhance the region’s capacity to produce clean energy, meeting the rising demand and replacing fossil fuel-based power sources.
Read more in article from Insider Media
Swansea University has been awarded the Zero Waste to Landfill certification by the Carbon Trust, making it the first Welsh university to achieve this recognition for its waste management efforts. The university has diverted 63% of all waste into energy recovery, including anaerobic digestion. This achievement comes after a rigorous six-month auditing process and independent verification.
As a research-intensive institution with various waste streams, including hazardous waste, Swansea University’s accomplishment is significant. To earn the certification, the university collaborated with suppliers to eliminate landfill waste, reduced single-use items through sustainable procurement, and aligned its actions with its Sustainability and Climate Emergency Strategy for 2021-2025.
The waste and recycling officer at Swansea University, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasising the collaborative effort involved in evaluating and managing the institution’s numerous waste streams. With more than 40 waste streams due to its extensive research activities, the university is thrilled to be recognized as a Zero Waste to Landfill institution.
This certification highlights Swansea University’s commitment to sustainable waste management and reinforces its environmental ambitions.
Read more in article from Bio Energy News
A planned green energy centre in East Yorkshire has reached a significant milestone through a £12m grant from the UK government. The proposed Goole Green Heat Network aims to harness waste heat from a nearby manufacturing plant and distribute it to residents and businesses in the area. Once approved, by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the network will provide sustainable heat to homes, businesses, and local council buildings, resulting in a reduction of the town’s carbon emissions by 322,000 tonnes over a span of 40 years.
The construction of the Goole Green Heat Network could commence as early as next year. The project is part of the council’s commitment to sustainability and addressing climate change, as it declared a climate emergency in 2021. By supplying cleaner and more affordable heat will not only contribute to the council’s carbon emission reduction targets, but also offer financial savings to residents and businesses. This is especially crucial in the current energy market and cost of living crisis.
The government grant emphasises the commitment of the UK Government to keep promoting sustainable energy solutions and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. The Goole scheme is one of seven low-carbon projects across the country to receive funding from the government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GNHF), with a total of £91m allocated to support the development of these initiatives.
Read more in article from The Business Desk
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