Sunderland Energy Network
1Energy is working with Sunderland City Council to develop Sunderland’s first low-carbon heat network. When completed in 2030, the £67mn project will deliver low-carbon heat to private and public buildings across the city.
Powering Sunderland’s low-carbon future
Sunderland’s proud history of powering industry continues with the Sunderland Central Heat Network – a transformative investment that will modernise the city’s heat infrastructure and support wider regeneration.
A new energy centre in Deptford, drawing on innovative low-carbon technology and waste heat from a planned data centre, will deliver clean, reliable heat to public buildings, commercial sites and, over time, homes.
Key institutions including Sunderland Royal Hospital, City Hall and the University’s campuses are already being considered for connection, helping to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the city.
Our Impact
Affordable, cleaner heating for Sunderland
70%
Less CO2 for connected buildings
13,838
Tonnes of CO2 emissions saved per year
£67mn+
Investment for Sunderland
300+
Local jobs created
Project timeline & milestones
Frequently asked questions
The Sunderland Central Heat Network is a new piece of sustainable infrastructure that will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, create jobs, and improve energy security for the city by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. It will also provide the most affordable solution for residents and businesses across the city to decarbonise their heating and hot water.
The heat network produces heat efficiently using low-carbon heat pumps powered by clean electricity. This means that every building connecting to the heat network is able to replace natural gas as its heat source, andreduce their carbon emissions by at least 70%. Additionally, other harmful pollutants such as Nitrous Oxide are reduced, significantly improving local air quality and reducing the likelihood of associated respiratory diseases.
The project is financed jointly by the UK Government via its Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF – £17.7m) and 1Energy’s Joint Venture partner Asper International (£50m).
Buildings currently operating on a wet heating system (i.e. using water heated via a boiler) are compatible to connect. Each building will need to be assessed individually to provide a more detailed connection proposal. The heat network will begin by serving the city’s biggest heat users such as the Sunderland Royal Hospital, University and Council and quickly expand to serve other, smaller users.
The initial and most significant phase of construction will be completed in 2030, but the network is likely to continue growing for many years, enabling more buildings across Sunderland the opportunity to decarbonise their heat and hot water supply.
Meet our local Sunderland team
Our team consists of experts in designing and installing district heat networks.
Nick Johnston
Project Director
Annwen Adams
Business Development Manager
Jeremy Bungey
Commercial Director
Rob Boyer
Technical Director
John Saunders
Strategic Development Director
Latest project updates
Find the most recent news, insight and updates on the Sunderland Energy Network
