Several essential components for the new Hull Heat Network have completed the 111-mile journey from Blackburn to Hull, marking a major milestone for one of the UK's largest city-wide decarbonisation projects.
The modules were so large that Vital Energi invested in a brand-new prefabrication facility to manufacture them, allowing off-site construction to take place alongside the build of the new energy centre. Some assemblies measure more than three metres in height, while individual boiler skids weigh up to 11 tonnes.
The modular plant assemblies include backup boilers, dirt separators and distribution pumps, all of which will play a key role in bringing heat to the city’s new heat network.
Manufacturing the equipment off-site delivered benefits beyond programme certainty. By building the assemblies in Blackburn whilst construction progressed in Hull, project teams were able to reduce programme risk, improve quality control and minimise activities such as on-site hot works.
The heat network will play a key role in decarbonising buildings across Hull while providing a more resilient heating infrastructure for the city. Early connections will include major residential developments alongside landmark institutions such as the Guildhall, Hull City Hall and Hull New Theatre.
