Ipswich Low Carbon Heat Network

Did you know that heating accounts for about 37% of UK carbon emissions?

“Heat networks form an important part of the government’s plan to reduce carbon and cut heating bills for customers. This is because they offer a communal solution that can provide heat to a range of homes and businesses by capturing or generating heat locally.”

The government believes that heat networks could provide around 20% of total heat by 2050.

Suffolk County Council, working with partners has been seeking to deliver on a project to deliver a heat network to Ipswich for the last 4 years. The network would source heat from the river gipping and supply government and commercial buildings before expanding across the town to educational facilities on the waterfront. It is hoped that the network could expand further to include more businesses and possibly homes.

What is a heat network?

A heat network is like a central heating system at home but built up to a town or city scale. At home, you may have a gas boiler and radiators in several rooms. The Ipswich Low Carbon Heat Network would generate low-carbon heat using Heat Pumps from the River Gipping to help supply heat through buried pipes to buildings across the network. During the coldest periods, some gas would be needed to support the system; however, this is expected to diminish over time.

Why should we be exploring heat networks?

Heat networks offer the opportunity to dramatically lower the carbon emissions associated with heating for connected buildings at scale. It is also expected to be the lowest-cost fuel source for buildings in the future as the price of gas continues to rise. The network would also provide some protection from international instability in energy prices, as the network would be securing a large proportion of energy demand at a stable cost.

What is the timeline for the project?

Suffolk County Council, working with partners, has produced an outline business case for the Ipswich Low Carbon Heat Network. The council is now seeking funding from central government to commercialise the project and help with the cost of building the network. It is then expected that the council will need to seek private sector funding to deliver the project.

It is hoped construction will start in 2027/2028 subject to planning, funding and other factors. With Thanks to Suffolk Public Sector Leaders, The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and The Greater South East Net Zero Hub.

If you would like more information, contact:

Steve Palfrey – Assistant Director Waste & Environment

steve.palfrey@suffolk.gov.uk