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Low Carbon Energy Centre
Following the award of more than £21million of funding from the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), Lancaster University will begin construction of a new ‘Low Carbon Energy Centre’ in November 2024, completing towards the end of 2026.
The GHNF funding is being matched by the University to develop a new £40 million facility on the outer edge of south east Bailrigg campus which will virtually eliminate the use of gas to heat its Bailrigg Campus. The Low Carbon Energy Centre will use state-of-the-art heat pump technology to generate a projected 39-Gigawatt hours (GWh) of low carbon heat, enough to heat 95 per cent of the buildings on campus.
The existing District Heat Network will be extended to increase its coverage across campus buildings from approximately 65% to 95%. In November 2024 an additional 6.5km of district heating pipework will be installed to connect the buildings on campus together. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Heat pump ready
Lancaster University has also been awarded £560,387 for its Bailrigg Campus District Heat Network from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). Funding will go towards upgrading infrastructure across the network and allow it to be “Heat Pump Ready”. The University will match the funding and the project will include the installation of more efficient pumps and meters, improving the central building management system, enhancing insulation throughout the network.
The HNES funding is crucial in achieving the University’s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions from electricity and heating by 2030.