Bradford Council is driving forward to introduce a new energy supply to one of its flagship buildings. The Bradford Energy Network (BEN) is a low emission, district heat network (DHN) developing in Bradford City Centre which will make a large contribution to our District net zero target, offering one of the most cost-effective solutions to decarbonise premises.
A report on the procurement to connect City Hall to the District Heat Network (DHN), will go to the Council’s Executive for approval on Tuesday 1 October 2024. The Council has assessed all options to decarbonise City Hall and only connection to a DHN is considered viable.
1Energy has secured £20m from the Government Green Heat Network Fund to develop the Bradford Energy Network (BEN). When completed in Summer 2027, the project will generate heat using one of the largest air source heat pump systems for heat networks in the UK. Bradford University, Bradford College and the Law Courts have confirmed they are aiming to connect to the BEN. It is acknowledged that district heat networks offer one of the most cost-effective solutions to decarbonise premises, particularly in an urban array, where solar, wind, geothermal etc are not viable.
It is expected that by connecting City Hall to the DHN the Council can remove 1.5MW of gas fired boilers providing measurable impact on air quality that will continue to benefit the health of our residents.
The Council has received £2 million Government funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to cover 88% of the costs of City Hall adaptation with the 12% Council contribution being provided via Clean Air Zone (CAZ) funding reinvestment in line with the Charging Scheme Order.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said, “There are lots of exciting projects on-going in Bradford to transform our city and the District Heat Network is one of these key projects to deliver on our ambitious net zero targets.”
“District Heat Networks have been proven to offer a scalable, affordable, proven solution to achieve net zero and reduce carbon emissions from heating, compared to gas boilers.”
Bradford Council are continuing to improve air quality and health outcomes in the district by working effectively to launch new projects such as the District Heat Network that address environmental risks to public health.”
