A flagship renewable energy scheme in South Tyneside is complete and operational.
The UK's first Viking Energy Network in Jarrow will reduce annual carbon emissions by 1,035 tonnes.
The multi-million pound network harnesses low-quality heat from the River Tyne and exports it to council-owned buildings including Jarrow Focus leisure centre, three residential towers, Jarrow Business Center and Jarrow Town Hall.
The scheme, which combines a river source heat pump, a combined heat and power (CHP) system, a 1 megawatt solar farm and a private electricity grid with battery storage, is the first of its kind in the UK . An energy center has been built on the banks of the river and an extensive network of pipes is used to distribute heat throughout the city.
Water source heat pumps work by extracting heat from a body of water, compressing it to increase the temperature, and then converting it into useful energy in the form of hot water in a network of insulated pipes. The solar farm will provide much of the electricity to power the heat pump, ensuring it will operate almost carbon neutral in the summer months.
Cogeneration, which would be used in the event that solar panels do not generate enough electricity, is a highly efficient process that harnesses heat that is a byproduct of the electricity generation process and would otherwise be wasted.
Cllr Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: โWe are incredibly proud to be leading the way with this pioneering project.
"This network is the first of its kind and is unique because it will combine three renewable technologies, ensuring minimal use of fossil fuels.
"It demonstrates our commitment to net zero and the shift to cleaner, safer energy sources.
"The Viking network is one of three highly innovative projects we are developing to boost our on-site renewable capabilities and low-carbon heating solutions. Together, they will reduce carbon emissions by more than 4,000 tonnes."
The council declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and committed to taking all necessary steps to make the council carbon neutral by 2030.
The network has been built by Colloide Engineering Systems Ltd.
Managing director Paddy McGuiness said: โWe are delighted to be delivering this state-of-the-art project in partnership with South Tyneside Council.
โThe Viking Energy Network in Jarrow exemplifies Colloideโs core values โโof engineering excellence and sustainability, combining three renewable technologies to ensure minimal dependence on fossil fuels.
"It has been a challenging endeavour, but the seamless integration and collaboration between the South Tyneside Council and Colloide teams has resulted in a highly successful project, which not only advances the cause of clean energy but also adds significant social value within the community."
The project attracted a ยฃ4.6 million ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) grant for its innovative approach.
A report carried out by the Newcastle University Energy Center to assess the impact and effectiveness of the project states: "VENJ was well aligned with South Tyneside Council's priorities and the UK Government's objectives at the time of the ERDF grant award. Since then, changes in the energy landscape have further strengthened the case for VENJ. Concerns about cost and security of supply, and climate change, have increased since the project began. New UK Government policies have highlighted the strategic value of heat networks and heat pumps in transitions to net zero and as such the project has great value as a demonstration of the two technologies. โSouth Tyneside Councilโs experience in delivering this project can benefit other civic partners.โ
There is scope to expand the heating network and connect other buildings in Jarrow, including sheltered housing schemes, schools and a local hospital. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero are funding a Phase 2 study on this.
