Heat networks using renewable energy have the potential to heat homes and workplaces in a way that improves local air quality, reduces carbon emissions, and, as part of a wider package of measures, delivers secure and affordable energy.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said:
“This will be a significant project for Ipswich, one which the county council is proud to have been leading on for a number of years, and has now secured a successful funding bid.
“By taking energy from the River Gipping, there is the potential to provide over 35 GWh of heat each year to public buildings across Ipswich – enough to power around 40 buildings in the first phase, ranging from offices to community buildings.
“We have been in discussions with a number of potential beneficiaries, and the first buildings could be connected as early as 2028.
“This can deliver hugely positive upgrades to the town: affordable energy for businesses, protection from volatile energy markets, jobs and growth for the local economy and placing Ipswich as one of the country’s forward-thinking towns when it comes to ensuring local energy security.”
As part of the project, the county council will be continuing to work with local colleges and the university to support the development of green skills locally, offering vocational and academic training and qualifications in the district heating sector, and supporting over 50 local jobs.
Learning from the project will then allow the potential for expansion of the network in other parts of the town, as well as other locations in Suffolk.
The county council is committed to working through the shared Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, helping to deliver cleaner power and supporting local industry and commerce in the local public and private sector – delivering for residents, the community and environment.
