CAN leads Haydon Bridge renewable district heating feasibility project
26th Jul 2024
CAN is leading on the Haydon Bridge District Heating feasibility project which may become one of the UK's largest community-owned renewable heat initiatives.
We are part of a joint venture looking at the feasibility of the project which would cut the carbon footprint of 1,000 properties that currently rely on oil and solid fuel for heat.
District heating would use locally generated, low-carbon energy to circulate heat to homes and businesses across Haydon Bridge. As a community-owned asset, it would bring maximum benefit to the village.
Over 90% of properties in Haydon Bridge use fossil fuels for heating, with a high reliance on oil and coal, the most polluting forms of fuel. Moving to renewable energy and low-carbon sources for heating will have a big impact on emissions across the community, making a strong contribution to Northumberland’s Net Zero targets. Residents will be able to get rid of their oil boilers.
District heating systems are popular across many Scandinavian countries, and are increasing in number across cities and towns of the UK. The Sage and Baltic, along with central Gateshead, are heated by district heat systems, as are many National Trust properties such as Wallington.
Andy Dean, chief executive of CAN, said:
“We need to find ways to help smaller rural communities make the transition away from fossil fuels in a way that benefits everyone. If we can help reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and make energy supply more resilient, what’s not to like?”
The project is being delivered by the Haydon Bridge Net Zero Group, CAN, the Rural Design Centre, and Reheat, with support from Northumberland County Council and funds made available through the North East Combined Authority. CAN is leading the project, and Reheat was successful in winning the competitive tender process to deliver the feasibility study.
To find out more about the project visit https://www.ruraldesigncentre.com/projects/district-heating-haydon-bridge