Outline planning permission granted for energy centre in Exeter.

Exeter’s £120m low carbon heat network has taken a major step forward by securing outline planning permission for the project’s renewable energy centre.

The Exeter Energy Network (EEN) is designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve the city’s air quality. It will supply hot water to large energy users – allowing the businesses to decarbonise their heating systems, saving at least 13,000 tons of carbon per year

The energy centre will use large air source heat pumps to supply hot water to customers through a network of underground insulated pipes. It will be built on land next to Marsh Barton Railway Station.

Members of Exeter City Council’s planning committee voted to approve the outline proposal at their meeting on 4th August 2025.

Exeter Energy has ambitious plans to support nature, wildlife and habitats on land next to the energy centre, which is owned by the city council. The company is in talks with the council about the best ways to promote biodiversity and to provide public access to the land as part of the development.

The EEN represents a major investment in Exeter’s economy, creating at least 150 jobs during the construction phase, as well as supporting a number of skilled apprenticeships.

The heat network is backed by £42.5m from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, along with private investment of approximately £75m. A further £30m in grant funding has been secured by a number of city public sector organisations who are likely to connect to the network.

Customers will be able to remove their gas boilers, helping Exeter make progress towards net zero, reducing pollution and improving air quality. The EEN plans to introduce additional sources of renewable heat in later phases of the project.

Director of Exeter Energy Ltd, Andrew Wettern, said: “We’re delighted the energy centre has been granted outline planning permission, allowing us to move ahead with Exeter’s low carbon heat network.

“This is a major investment in the city’s green infrastructure and will allow our customers to significantly reduce their carbon emissions, while improving air quality in Exeter.

“By making the most of local and renewable heat sources, the network will contribute to energy security and provide the most cost effective way for our customers to decarbonise their heating systems.”

The EEN will initially be available to large public sector organisations, as well as businesses; residential connections will be possible at later phases of the project.