Energy centre launched to cut winter heating costs

A new energy centre has been launched in Wolverhampton's Heath Town estate.

The new centre features 48 roof-mounted evaporators serving air source heat pumps, alongside supplementary boilers designed to be hydrogen-ready. The £19.5 million investment is aimed at reducing energy costs and improving heating for more than 1,000 residents.

The existing boiler house was nearing the end of its serviceable life, with repairs becoming increasingly difficult as replacement parts became harder to source.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the facility would replace ageing infrastructure with modern technology, designed to provide a more reliable and efficient heating network.

The council said the system was believed to be only the second of its kind in Europe.

Ian Gardner, director of housing operations at Wolverhampton Homes, said the centre's completion marked an important stage in the long-term investment in Heath Town.

"Together with the wider improvement works delivered across the estate, it reflects the council's commitment to investing in our communities to create places where people want to live and lasting benefits for the city's residents."

He said the new systems were expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 500 tonnes a year.

Lee Davis, head of operations at United Infrastructure, said the project was focused on improving everyday life for people living on the estate.

He said the centre would help residents enjoy warm, comfortable homes with a heating system they could rely on, while helping to reduce energy costs.

Government funding of £7.5 million through the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme is supporting the project, with the remainder of the £19.5 million investment coming from the council's Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme.

The centre was delivered by Wolverhampton Homes, alongside United Infrastructure on behalf of the council.

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