The Government’s Heat Networks Delivery Unit (HNDU) has awarded £103,600 to carry out initial feasibility work on a proposed heat network and cover project management costs.

The initial work, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will focus on demonstrating whether the project is viable from a technical and financial perspective and ensuring that there is a sufficient, permanent demand for the heat across the business district.

Building a heat network is an efficient, cost effective and environmentally sustainable way of supplying energy across a wide area to heat buildings or water. The heat will be supplied from a central source to businesses that need it via a network of insulated pipes.

The heat source can be a dedicated supply to the heat network, such as a modern, efficient combined heat and power unit, or heat recovered from industry or the environment around the business district. The heat network will help businesses to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. 

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We want to put Manor Royal on the map as one of the greenest places to do business in the south east. We are delighted with this funding announcement because it will enable us to understand the opportunity for generating and sharing heat across the business district and, if the feasibility work goes well, build a really robust business case to deliver the project.”

The proposed heat network is part of the wider Re-Energise project to increase the amount of sustainable energy generated, shared and used by businesses across the district. This is a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council and the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID).

Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID said:

“Operating a sustainable business is not just an environmental imperative, it’s an economic one. Through the Re-Energise project we have shown the potential for Manor Royal to achieve a rewarding low-carbon future. This new funding will help us explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The Re-Energise project will lead to an increase in renewable energy generation and energy storage at Manor Royal and establishment of a local energy trading co-operative to enable companies to cost-effectively trade the energy they generate with neighbouring businesses.