E.ON unveils plans to invest in expanded Don Valley heat network

E.ON has today announced plans for a multi-million-pound investment that would more than double the size of its district heating network in Sheffield, exploring opportunities for a further 10km of pipeline around the Don Valley area to connect new customers and potentially tap new sources of low carbon heating that might otherwise go to waste.

The district heating scheme in the Lower Don Valley is currently powered by E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows renewable energy plant which uses biomass to provide a source of heating to connected buildings in the Lower Don Valley.

E.ON’s proposals would expand the 8km pipe network, connecting new businesses and homes across the Lower Don Valley and delivering more low carbon and cost-effective heating to the city.

Chris Lovatt, Chief Operating Officer for E.ON’s Energy Infrastructure Solutions business, said: “Whether it’s combating the climate crisis, cleaning the air in city streets, or weaning the UK off fossil fuels to avoid the impact of volatile global gas markets, we need to find new, cleaner ways of heating our homes and businesses. Heat networks like ours in the Lower Don Valley allow us to do that.

“We are the playmakers in creating a more sustainable UK through projects like this, and with Sheffield’s bold steps to become a zero-carbon city by 2030 we’re looking to expand the route of our district heat network to play a role in that ambition. As part of our ongoing investment in the city we’ll be looking to create more than 2,000 green jobs in the region as well as improving public spaces – leaving every space we touch better than when we found it.”

Heat networks are a more efficient and more cost-effective way of providing heat to built-up areas by producing and distributing heat from a central source instead of individual boilers in each property.

District heating networks will play a critical role in decarbonising cities. Heat networks currently provide 3% of the heat demand in the UK, with that number potentially growing to 20% nationwide by 2050 to support the move towards net zero.

Half of Europe’s total energy consumption is dedicated to heating and cooling, with nearly 80% ^[1] coming from non-renewable sources, often fossil fuels. With the majority (70%) of people in Europe living in urban areas^[2], growing urbanisation will further increase demand for both heating and cooling.

Chris Lovatt added: “If the extension to our network is approved, we’ll be working with local residents, businesses and community groups to deliver initiatives that improve the city: improved pathways and cycle paths, planting trees and shrubs, as well as creating warm spaces and educational workshops.”

A formal planning application could be submitted to Sheffield City Council towards the end of Summer, with E.ON launching a consultation programme and events for local residents in the coming weeks.

If planning consent is granted, construction would begin towards the end of 2025 and continue until the end of 2028.