Low carbon energy capacity expands with scheme extensions

A UK low carbon district energy infrastructure will now have the capacity to deliver over 500 GWh per year after recent energy schemes received contract extensions.


Low carbon schemes in Birmingham and Leicester recently received extensions allowing the infrastructures energy capacity to expand. The infrastructure, which is a network of piping, is owned and managed by Cofely, a provider of energy, technical and total facilities services.

The low carbon district energy schemes use combined heat and power (CHP) to generate hot water and electrical power.

Some of the schemes also use waste heat from the CHP in the summer to generate chilled water from absorption chillers (tri-generation).

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is promoting district heating as the low carbon energy solution for urban areas as part of its heat strategy framework.

Cofely District Energy CEO Simon Woodward said: “The UK District Energy Association reports that over 14% of the UK’s heating needs could be met using low carbon district heating sources within the next 20 years.

“With schemes in Birmingham, Leicester, London: Greenwich, Olympic Park & Stratford City, Whitehall, Manchester and Southampton, Cofely District Energy is uniquely placed to help the UK reach its substantial potential in this market and deliver a significant proportion of this target.”

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe