Cambridge City Council, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, has secured government funding to undertake a study to explore the feasibility of developing a Cambridge City Centre Heat Network.
If the study identifies it is feasible and government funding is available to develop the project further, a heat network – which could include heat provided by ground-source energy - could eventually be built, which could supply 100% renewable heating and hot water to city-centre buildings belonging to the council, the University of Cambridge and others.
"Decarbonising space and water heating in an historic city setting is challenging — but necessary." Professor Ian Leslie, Chair of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee
This could present a solution to reduce the emissions produced by historic buildings such as the Corn Exchange, the Guildhall, and various University of Cambridge and College sites that may be among some of the hardest in the city to decarbonise.
Professor Ian Leslie, Chair of the University of Cambridge’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Committee, said: “Decarbonising space and water heating in an historic city setting is challenging — but necessary. The University, with the support of the Colleges, is excited to be working with the City Council to progress a proposal for a heat network in Cambridge. Establishing a core heat network is an ambitious undertaking, but one which could provide the nucleus for an ever-growing network eventually spanning the entire city.”