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Plymouth Heat Network

Plymouth's importance is firmly rooted in its rich history, having played a pivotal role in exploration, naval power and global trade. The Plymouth Heat Network will build upon that legacy, establishing the new heat network as a vital piece of infrastructure that will help power the city's future.

With Government grant funding support through the Green Heat Network Fund, the project will be led and owned by Vital Energi, with support from Plymouth Council. Vital Energi will be responsible for each key stage of the project, including design development, customer connections, construction, and ongoing operations. 

Following the completion of the network, Plymouth will join a growing number of UK cities benefiting from efficient, reliable, low-carbon heating. 

See how similar scheme are already making a difference across the UK

https://www.vitalenergi.co.uk/case-studies/solihull-low-carbon-energy-network/
Solihull Photo (1)

What is a heat network?

A heat network is a utility which generates heat and hot water from a central source, rather than from an individual gas boiler. In most cases, heat is generated at an energy centre and distributed through a network of heavily insulated underground pipes directly into connected buildings.

Vital Energi Pre Insulated Pipes (2)

A proven solution

Across Europe, many countries have already demonstrated the benefits of transitioning to heat networks. In Denmark, district heating form a significant part of its energy system and utilises waste heat and biomass to provide efficient, low-carbon heating for homes. Vital Energi are currently developing a heat network for Plymouth, building on the success of similar schemes already operating across Europe.

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A cost-effective way to decarbonise the area

It will be cheaper than alternative gas or low-carbon electric heating systems, helping to reduce energy costs and relieve pressure from the city's electricity grid.

Regulation and reliance

Those connected to the network can expect stable and predictable pricing. The network will be less impacted by fluctuations in global energy markets. With heat networks set to be regulated by Ofgem, customers will benefit from enhanced protections and greater confidence.

Lasting benefits across the community

The network’s impact will extend beyond its direct users and deliver lasting benefits for Plymouth’s wider community: 5,000 weeks of apprenticeship opportunities £10million invested in local services and suppliers, ensuring 50% of the project spend is retained within Plymouth.

Reduced environmental impact

The network will replace individual gas fired boilers, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality across the city. Once completed, the network could deliver 146Wh of low-carbon heat to hundreds of buildings across Plymouth.

Who will be connected?

The upcoming project plans to use a new heat network zoning policy that will designate areas where heat networks are the most cost-effective, low-carbon solution. Zoning will accelerate the rollout of the heat network by identifying areas with the greatest demand, giving investors greater confidence and consumers certainty of the benefits to connecting to the network.

Vital Energi Connection Capacity

Our vision...

Vital Energi is exploring an ambitious strategy to stabilise energy costs, while decarbonising the local area. Over time, the network aims to provide both heating and cooling through an ambient loop solution, helping Plymouth adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Vital Energi Customer Care Banner

Next steps...

To achieve this, there are plans to harness multiple heat sources across the city. The first phase will focus on connecting to Plymouth’s civic area, with the potential for future phases to expand into Millbay, providing heat to local businesses, government buildings, schools, and new residential developments.

Vital Energi Technical Concept Concept Development