Co-operative Heat Network
Lead Participant:
BLACKPOOL COUNCIL
Abstract
Drawing on earlier funding BC have developed a transformative vision for the region. Within a decade, Blackpool's economy will be rejuvenated and its carbon footprint minimised. A series of renewable-powered, efficient, 'edge' data centres will underpin a new innovation economy. These data centres will be liquid cooled and their excess heat will feed into a new heat network serving homes and businesses across the town.
Heat networks are a validated and efficient way of reducing emissions across a wide area, and by adding new sources of heat (data centres), the solution improves over time. The challenge for BC stems from the fact that there are multiple parties and programmes which need to be aligned to support the heat network construction and operation. For example, a major development in the centre of town - Blackpool Central - is being built by a private developer. This will need to be embedded into the design and operation of the network. The recently announced Multiversity development is nearby and also needs to be integrated into the heat network - it has to be delivered within two years.
BC will appoint a Net Zero Innovation Delivery Officer (NZIDO) to address these challenges. The Co-operative Heat Network (CHN) project will develop an innovative co-operative 'layer' to manage relationships around the heat network, minimising the need for complex and time consuming traditional commercial contracts. This model will be developed in close partnership with regional stakeholders - the NHS Trust, Coastal Housing, datacentres, finance specialists, co-operative specialists, Heat Service Providers (HSPs), community organisations and other public sector bodies.
The primary objectives of the CHN project are:
?Facilitate creation of a heat network through a model which shares risk between public sector bodies, communities and private operators.
?Unlock investment to connect heat generators and users across Blackpool by 2030\.
?Support regional authorities through shared learning.
The project is innovative because:
?The cooperative governance structure is new.
?The inclusion of small modular edge data centres as sources of heat is novel.
The project will deliver significant impact because:
?The stakeholders involved have a strong track record of building successful cooperatives as they delivered the BC fibre network co-operative - this means the chance of success is high.
?It takes a systems-level approach to emissions reduction in the region.
?As well as reducing emissions, the project will also drive job-creation and growth through supporting regional economic regeneration.
Heat networks are a validated and efficient way of reducing emissions across a wide area, and by adding new sources of heat (data centres), the solution improves over time. The challenge for BC stems from the fact that there are multiple parties and programmes which need to be aligned to support the heat network construction and operation. For example, a major development in the centre of town - Blackpool Central - is being built by a private developer. This will need to be embedded into the design and operation of the network. The recently announced Multiversity development is nearby and also needs to be integrated into the heat network - it has to be delivered within two years.
BC will appoint a Net Zero Innovation Delivery Officer (NZIDO) to address these challenges. The Co-operative Heat Network (CHN) project will develop an innovative co-operative 'layer' to manage relationships around the heat network, minimising the need for complex and time consuming traditional commercial contracts. This model will be developed in close partnership with regional stakeholders - the NHS Trust, Coastal Housing, datacentres, finance specialists, co-operative specialists, Heat Service Providers (HSPs), community organisations and other public sector bodies.
The primary objectives of the CHN project are:
?Facilitate creation of a heat network through a model which shares risk between public sector bodies, communities and private operators.
?Unlock investment to connect heat generators and users across Blackpool by 2030\.
?Support regional authorities through shared learning.
The project is innovative because:
?The cooperative governance structure is new.
?The inclusion of small modular edge data centres as sources of heat is novel.
The project will deliver significant impact because:
?The stakeholders involved have a strong track record of building successful cooperatives as they delivered the BC fibre network co-operative - this means the chance of success is high.
?It takes a systems-level approach to emissions reduction in the region.
?As well as reducing emissions, the project will also drive job-creation and growth through supporting regional economic regeneration.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| BLACKPOOL COUNCIL | £276,353 | £ 276,353 |
Participant |
||
| BLACKPOOL OPERATING COMPANY LIMITED | ||
| INNOVATE UK | ||
| COMMUNITY BROADBAND NETWORK LIMITED | £32,594 | £ 22,816 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Andy Pickard (Project Manager) |