The University of York

The University of York - Biomass & Multi-Utility Network

Executive Summary

Like many other Higher Education establishments, the University of York wanted to substantially reduce its CO2 emissions and Vital Energi helped with the installation of a biomass/combined heat and power system for their new Heslington East Campus.

  • stats-numerical
    £16m contract value
  • biomass
    10% of energy needs met by biomass
  • energy-supply
    7 million kWhr of thermal energy per year
  • chp
    1.5MW combined heat and power engine

Project Overview

Vital Energi is helping to reduce The University of York’s energy costs and CO2 emissions with the installation of a low carbon biomass and CHP-fuelled community heating system. We are designing, supplying and installing the state-of-the-art system as part of the University’s £750 million expansion programme which is upgrading its existing Heslington West campus and creating a brand new Heslington East campus to double the University’s campus size.

The University’s expansion programme has been divided into four phases which include multiple contracts. Two of these phases have been put out to tender and Vital Energi has successfully secured four of the energy services contracts for both phases, worth around £16 million, by demonstrating our competitiveness, good quality installations, ability to meet customer requirements and expertise in sustainable energy.

Our Solution

York University Biomass Boiler

Vital Energi used its specialist expertise to design the University’s sustainable energy system to provide ultimate flexibility so that it can accommodate future changes to the legislative landscape and to incentive and funding schemes for sustainable energy. The biomass boiler was specifically designed to meet expected criteria for the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which was under consultation at the start of the project, in order to maximise revenues for the University.

Work to upgrade the University of York’s existing Heslington West campus and construct the new Heslington East campus has been divided into four phases. Vital Energi has won energy services contracts for two of the four phases, with the final two phases of expansion yet to be tendered.

Solution detail

The biomass install went like a dream … and for me your project manager for that job was outstanding.

Kevin Whelan , Head of Estates Operations, The University of York

Key Benefits

University York - Biomass

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