Bradford has secured £15.8 million in government funding for a range of decarbonisation and energy efficiency initiatives, with a significant portion allocated to the Bradford Energy Network (BEN).
This low-emission district heat network, set to be developed in the city centre, will play a vital role in helping the district achieve its net-zero carbon targets. The project aims to enhance energy security through a sustainable and affordable energy system.
Scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027, the Bradford District Heat Network will feature one of the UK’s largest air source heat pump systems for district heating. It will connect multiple sites across the city centre, offering a cost-effective solution for reducing carbon emissions.
Bradford Council has been awarded £2 million to decarbonise City Hall. This funding will cover 88% of the project costs, with the remaining 12% sourced from reinvested Clean Air Zone (CAZ) revenue. Planned upgrades include connecting City Hall to the district heat network and improving the building’s hot water and heating distribution systems. These changes are expected to eliminate 1.5MW of gas-fired boilers, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality for residents.
Several organisations in Bradford will also benefit from the funding. Bradford College has received £2.7 million to connect to the heat network and upgrade heating systems. The HM Courts and Tribunals Service has been allocated £3.6 million for similar work, while the University of Bradford has secured £6.5 million to join the network and enhance energy efficiency.
Outside the heat network, West Yorkshire Police has been awarded nearly £1 million to decarbonise Eccleshill Police Station. This project will include replacing gas-fired boilers with ground source heat pumps, installing solar panels, and upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting and controls.
These projects are expected to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, supporting Bradford’s transition to green energy and promoting long-term sustainability across the district.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said: “Bradford infrastructure and regeneration projects are of national significance delivering a more investable and more sustainable district as well as Bradford being the UK City of Culture in 2025.
“The heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency grants will allow us and other organisations in Bradford to contribute to start the process of decarbonisation and contribute to the Districts net zero targets.”
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places said: “We are looking forward to seeing the Bradford District Heat Network progress and connect to key buildings in the city that will reduce carbon emissions from heating compared to gas boilers in a scalable, affordable and proven solution to achieving net zero.
“Finding the right schemes to support and invest in is vital. We’re not just looking at making current infrastructure more sustainable, we’re keen to look at renewable energy sources too. These not only benefit the environment and potentially reduces costs for customers in the longer term, but also improves energy security nationally. “
