A Community-Driven Heating Revolution in Hexham
In Hexham, North East England, there’s an exciting opportunity for cleaner, more affordable energy. The Heating Hexham project, led by Sycamore Net Zero, a community interest company, is exploring the feasibility of a community-owned district heating scheme to bring low-carbon energy to local homes and businesses. A project that aims to provide an affordable alternative to fossil fuel based heating solutions, including natural gas and electric heat pumps.
Project Goals and Activities
The project starts with a Feasibility Assessment to understand whether this heating network can be economically and technically viable. Funded by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub, the study will look at the benefits, such as reducing CO₂ emissions, that a low-carbon energy centre could offer Hexham.
Feasibility Assessment in Four Phases
The study is divided into four, four-week phases to ensure thorough research and planning:
1. Study Stage: This phase reviews local heating needs, possible energy sources, and suitable sites for an energy centre. It sets up the technical groundwork and assesses heat demand and potential CO₂ reduction.
2. Concept Development: Building on the initial findings, this stage creates a preliminary model for the heating network, focusing on energy needs, peak loads, and emissions.
3. Economic Valuation: A cost analysis estimates capital, operational, and maintenance expenses, as well as revenue, to assess economic viability. This will include a comparison of decarbonising Hexham through a heat network and house by house heat pump installations.
4. Concept Refinement: This phase refines the concept and compares multiple models, using economic data to identify the best option.
Community and Political Engagement
Community and political support are vital to the project’s success. The engagement plan includes:
• Anchor Users and Industrial Heat Sources: Local institutions, like the hospital and schools, will be engaged as potential “anchor” users. Public and Private sector organissations will be engaged to determine the feasibility of accessing waste heat sources.
• Community Events: Sycamore Net Zero will hold two events to inform and involve residents.
• Political Partnerships: The project aims to support local and national goals for reducing carbon emissions.
Financial Feasibility and Funding
Securing funding is key. The project team will connect early with potential funders, such as the National Wealth Fund, the Green Heat Network Fund and the Combined Authority to identify sustainable funding strategies for the project. The project needs to be investable for potential sources of funding and affordable for people and organisations who want to access the heat network.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Heating
If economically viable, Heating Hexham could become a blueprint for smaller communities looking to move toward sustainable, community-owned energy solutions. This project is a bold step for Hexham, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting emissions, and establishing a resilient energy infrastructure that benefits everyone.
Community-led projects like this show the power of local action in driving the UK’s green energy transition and creating a brighter, cleaner future for all.