1Energy has secured £9.7 million in commercialisation and construction funding from the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) to support a southern extension of the Bradford Energy Network.

The extension is planned to deliver an additional 16 GWh of heat annually to 25 connections across the south of Bradford, including a local hospital, residential blocks, schools and college buildings. By extending shared infrastructure across the city, 1Energy expects to offer customers a more cost-effective route to low-carbon heating than installing individual air source heat pumps in each building.

The new award builds on £20 million of GHNF funding previously awarded to the first phase of the Bradford Energy Network. More than 5 km of pipework has been installed, and the Thornton Road energy centre is nearing completion. The network is preparing to supply heat to its first customers later this year.

Bradford is one of five heat network projects receiving a share of more than £78 million in GHNF support announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Triple Point. Heat networks can strengthen energy security by making use of local heat sources, while helping to reduce pressure on national electricity grid infrastructure.

Martin McCluskey, Minister for Local Energy and Jobs, said:

“Clean power and clean heat benefits communities across our country. Building the infrastructure to deliver it is reindustrialising the UK and rolling out cutting-edge energy technology so families can benefit from lower bills, good jobs and energy security.“And for those already using heat networks, we are upgrading inefficient systems to make sure people get the high-quality, low-cost, reliable heating they deserve.”

John Hartley, CEO of 1Energy, said:

“This latest GHNF funding will allow us to build on the significant progress already made in Bradford, extending the network to serve more public buildings, homes and organisations across the south of the city. Crucially, by delivering heat at city scale, we can offer customers a more cost-effective route to decarbonisation while strengthening Bradford’s long-term energy resilience.

“With Heat On for the first phase approaching, this extension represents another important step towards our ambition of developing a truly city-wide heat network that will support Bradford’s buildings, communities and economy for decades to come.”

The Bradford award was announced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Triple Point as part of more than £78 million in GHNF support for five heat network projects across England.

Interested in connecting a building to the Bradford Energy Network? Get in touch with our team at: bradford@1energy.uk