City Hall could be one of the buildings in the HDHN. Credit Place North

Hull City Council makes energy move

26 October 2023 10:59 Neil Tague Comments (0)

The local authority’s cabinet has given the go-ahead to the Hull District Heat Network, a key part of its low-carbon energy plan.

The council will now form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) to manage HDHN, with stakeholder engagement set to take place ahead of a full business case being presented in February 2024.

This LLC will be regulated by Ofgem to ensure it is fully compliant with the latest guidelines.

Hull’s network will connect a number of local authority, private sector buildings and homes by a series of pipes used to transport heated water to buildings connected to the network.

DHNs are widely used in Europe and several other UK cities, including Edinburgh, Sheffield and Manchester, where a Civic Quarter Heat Network features the eyecatching Tower of Light.

At business case stage, the council will detail how each phase will progress and how it will save both the council, and therefore Hull taxpayers, money long-term.

Cllr Jack Haines, the council’s portfolio holder for communities and climate change, said: “This is a project that has fantastic potential and can now be pushed forward.

“Unlike the government nationally, Hull City Council is absolutely committed to ensuring it remains a leading authority when it comes to tackling climate change.

“We are aware first-hand of the effects in can have on our city and it is important we sustain our long-term future, both environmentally and financially.

“At a time when so many people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, this is another example of how the council will support them.”