District heating in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton District Council are exploring the possibility of Northallerton benefiting from a district heating scheme. The scheme could see public buildings such as the hospital, library, leisure centre and council buildings connected to a common heating system, with the possibility of connecting local homes after the scheme becomes established.

The two authorities have been awarded £33,500 from the government’s Heat Networks Delivery Unit to undertake initial feasibility studies. The government is currently supporting development of heat networks as part of its Clean Growth Strategy.

How district heating works

District heating (sometimes incorporating cooling) provides steam, hot water and/or chilled water from a central plant which can then be distributed to homes, buildings and businesses for hot water, heating and air conditioning.

Buildings connected to the system no longer need their own heating or cooling plant. Providing these services from a central ‘energy centre’, where heat is then distributed to connected buildings, is an efficient way of supplying energy and can reduce both costs and emissions, particularly carbon dioxide.

Andrew Lee, North Yorkshire County Councillor, said: “We believe local communities and businesses should have access to affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly energy to help meet their needs and to encourage investment and sustainable growth. If this proves successful, it could be a trailblazer for other schemes within the county.”

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