UK Power Solutions to deliver Cardiff’s first ground source heat network
UK Power Solutions (UKPS) has been contracted by Wates Residential to deliver what is claimed to be Cardiff’s first ground source heat network,
UKPS and subcontractor, Rendesco will deliver a heat network comprising a energy centre with centralised heat pump, 47 boreholes and individual HIUs in 235 new homes.
Once construction at the 11 hectare site is completed, sister company Last Mile Heat will adopt and manage the network, transferring all operations from Wates Residential and Cardiff Council
The development, at the former Michaelston Community College site, is also set to be Cardiff’s first wellbeing village, as part of the Cardiff Living partnership between Wates Residential and Cardiff Council. It will see the creation of 115 open-market homes, 120 council homes, and a community hub, café, and medical centre,
Rachael Grierson-Gillespie, senior business development executive at UKPS, said:
Our ground source heat network is projected to reduce carbon emissions for the development by up to 80%, compared to traditional gas heating, and 54% compared to air source heat pumps. It will also deliver lower running costs and bills for residents, supporting regional goals to tackle fuel poverty. Solutions like this are crucial to delivering the affordable and sustainable housing the UK needs, and we’re proud to be involved with a project that demonstrates to councils and developers everywhere what’s possible with the right technology and financing.”
UKPS believes its asset value model was a key factor in the decision to award the contract. In this model, the developer will recover almost half of the capital costs of the network through forward-funded rebate payments, removing a potential financial barrier.
