The Derby Energy Network is the name of the low-carbon heat network being developed within Derby, operated by Derby Energy Network Limited.

Derby Energy Network Limited is the company developing the Derby Energy Network.  It is managed by 1Energy Group Limited, the UK’s leading developer of low-carbon city-heat-networks. 1Energy’s team are leaders in the heat network industry—having delivered and operated more than 50 district heating projects over the past 15 years.

We’re currently focusing on connecting the city’s largest heat users, which includes public buildings, offices, hospitals, universities, colleges, schools and residential blocks. If you are a large heat user and would like to register your interest in a potential connection, please contact  info.derby@1energy.uk

Smaller commercial premises near to the network will be able to connect in the future once the foundation network has been installed and the DEN has started supplying heat. It is projected that residential connections will follow shortly thereafter.

The network will grow organically from the ‘foundation network’ initially installed, moving street by street, so buildings closer to the network would generally be expected to connect sooner than those further away.

A connecting building will need to have a “wet” heating system, i.e. a heating system that uses water to transport heat around inside the building. This is indicated by heat emitters such as radiators throughout the building, connected by pipes to a central plant room – typically housing a gas boiler. In all circumstances, we will need to carry out a survey to understand if any further changes to a building’s heating system are required.

The Derby Energy Network will provide heat at a similar temperature to a gas boiler, making it possible to connect existing buildings without the need for costly building-fabric upgrades.

We are reviewing several potential sites for the network’s Energy Centre. Please check back here for further information in due course.

The network is expected to start supplying heat to connected buildings in 2029.

The Derby Energy Network is a new utility for Derby – just like electricity, water, gas, water, and wastewater which have previously been installed. All these utilities, including the ‘heat utility’, will be in the ground and serving Derby for hundreds of years. However, they only need to be installed once.

As most of the heat network’s pipework will be laid under roads and pavements, temporary road closures and traffic management will be necessary.

We are working very closely with the Highways Authority at Derby City Council and stakeholders to plan the delivery of the heat network to reduce the traffic impact as much as possible.

Through the normal council channels for notification of roadworks, road users will get advance notice of any works, and the traffic management arrangements that will be implemented.

We are committed to employing local people and contractors whenever possible. Using local service suppliers helps reduce the network’s carbon footprint while bringing investment into the local area and enhancing supply chain resilience. Furthermore, local supply chains ensure the best value for money, as they avoid paying for transport and accommodation for companies outside the area.

If you’re interested in supplying services, please contact us on info.derby@1energy.uk.

We will publicise the construction and procurement programme once details are finalised.

• The Derby Energy Network creates the simplest method of achieving zero emissions heat for building owners, reducing carbon emissions from buildings by up to 77% initially, with an estimated saving for Derby of over 19,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually
  It offers the most economic method of decarbonising heat in Derby for public and private sector buildings: approximately 20-40% cheaper than the next cheapest low-carbon method
  Provides significant social value for Derby residents and communities, for example via apprenticeships and local job creation during the delivery and operation phases.
  Decommissioning local gas-powered heating systems eliminates up to 20 tonnes of harmful air pollutants such as PM 2.5 and NOx – comparable to removing 16,000 cars from Derby’s roads – significantly improving local air quality and greatly impacting health outcomes.

  Delivers energy security by insulating heat users from major swings in commodity prices through direct supply from UK and local renewable energy resources
  Backed by £23 million of UK Government funding and over £100 million investment from 1Energy

1Energy will work closely with local education providers to provide apprenticeships each year during the network’s construction phase, to deliver new skills into Derby. We also intend to create local jobs during the operation phase and are committed to ensuring we maximise opportunities for local employment and training.

Almost every building in Derby currently has a gas boiler, meaning that huge amounts of gas are burnt locally daily.  Combustion of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to poor air quality, producing pollutants that negatively affect human health.

The Derby Energy Network heats buildings by replacing their gas boiler with a connection to the heat network, which generates heat via an electric based system and green energy.  By removing the need for individual gas boilers in buildings in the city centre, the Derby Energy Network will improve air quality and the health of local residents and visitors.

The Derby Energy Network will make a significant contribution towards   Derby becoming a net zero city. In Phase 1 alone, the network is expected to reduce emissions by 19,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) a year.

The Derby Energy Network will also support a just transition to net zero. Heat networks provide the lowest cost option for decarbonising heat, with costs being 20% – 40% cheaper than the most economical alternative low-carbon alternative heating options available.