Huhne praises CHP on visit to Liverpool

Mr Huhne visited the museum, which is not due to open until summer 2011, today (September 22) to see its Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant.

The team behind the £72 million museum says it could become a ‘flagship low-carbon and renewable energy centre’.

Mr Huhne: “As a Government we have committed to cutting the carbon emissions in the public sector starting with 10% in the first 12 months.

“The Museum of Liverpool has shown what is possible and I expect that CHP schemes like this one can help us deliver on our low-carbon goals.

“The relevance of renewable and low carbon CHP is clear, unlocking both significant cost and carbon savings.

“It has huge potential to transform energy use across the public sector, the Museum of Liverpool scheme I have seen is clearly testament to this.”

Chairman of the National Museums Liverpool, Phil Redmond, said: “We always wanted the museum to demonstrate that carbon savings can be delivered in landmark public projects.

“But, this is as much about good management as saving the planet. The cost savings the energy project has realised will go towards ensuring we deliver the best possible experience for visitors to the museum.”

Mr Huhne, who was in Liverpool attending the Liberal Democrat’s annual conference visited the site during the final stages of its commissioning to make sure the energy centre is up-and-running by the end of September.

Luke Walsh