DESNZ Committee Chair explores Mersey Heat’s groundbreaking role in shaping UK’s low carbon future
Mersey Heat has quickly established itself as one of the most prominent heat network projects in the country and we were happy to host our second ministerial visit in two weeks, welcoming Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton, and the recently appointed Chair of the Commons Select Committee for Energy Security & Net Zero.
As DESNZ plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the UK’s heating infrastructure, we were pleased to see Mr Esterson take such a keen interest in this pioneering renewable heat project that is changing the face of Liverpool’s low-carbon infrastructure.
Bill Esterson, MP, shared his thoughts: “It was fantastic to see a large-scale district heating system up and running here right on the doorstep of my constituency. The committee will be examining in detail how we deliver energy security and net zero by 2050, this is one of those solutions that can unlock low carbon development. Furthermore, we can see it is already creating high quality jobs and development opportunities here in the Liverpool City Region.”
Mersey Heat, which is owned by Peel and being delivered in partnership by Vital Energi and Ener-Vate, has seen the creation of an innovative energy centre which houses one of the largest water source heat pumps in the UK and takes heat from the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. This heat is distributed around the city via a 6km district heating network with the potential to deliver 45GW of heat to 6,700 homes and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space at full build out.
The initial phase alone is estimated to save 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
In addition to the technical achievements, large infrastructure projects like this are also an opportunity to embed ourselves in the local community, deliver social value and leave impactful, long-lasting legacies through employment and training opportunities, partnerships with local groups and supporting local charities. So far, we have been able to place seven apprentices on the project, reached 340 local children through our Climate Education Sessions and supported Claire House Children’s Hospice through Peel Waters annual Dragon Boat Race.
“Successful projects like Mersey Heat are showcasing the transformative effects of city-wide district heating and proving decarbonisation at scale is possible. To accelerate the adoption of heat networks, focused policy support and increased funding are essential to enable new schemes to enter the market and existing ones to expand and reach their full potential. If we achieve this then heat networks can take their place as one of the cornerstones of the UK’s heating strategy.”
This visit underscores the importance of sustainable heating solutions in the UK’s journey towards a greener future and Mersey Heat clearly illustrates how we can implement cutting-edge technologies that contribute to a fossil-free future while meeting the energy needs of communities across the country.
The tour, organized by Vital Energi and Ener-Vate, in collaboration with Peel, ADE, DESNZ, and Liverpool City Council, encompassed the Mersey Heat Tobacco Warehouse show apartment, plant room, canal pumping system and the energy centre which houses the air source heat pump. It provided a comprehensive look at how this ambitious project is shaping the future of heat networks.
It was an honour to welcome Bill Esterson, MP, to the Mersey Heat Network and showcase the significant progress we’ve made on this transformative project. Mersey Heat is an example of how innovative technology, like the water source heat pump, can deliver large-scale decarbonisation, providing both environmental benefits and energy security for Liverpool. We’re proud to be part of a project that is helping to shape the future of low-carbon infrastructure in the UK.
The subsequent Q&A provided an opportunity to learn more about the evolution of Mersey Heat and how it’s changing the face of energy in Liverpool, reducing carbon and delivering energy security, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
It was a pleasure to be part of the group extending a warm, Liverpool welcome to with Bill Esterson, MP and we look forwards to a bright future for heat networks.