Project Overview

There are four key deliverables for the Swaffham Prior Heat Network project:

• An energy centre: for the generation of renewable heat, connecting to an extensive ground-loop borehole array and consisting of two ground source heat pumps and one air source heat pump.
• A heat network: a series of buried pipes to distribute thermal energy through the village.
• Heat interface units (HIUs): connecting residences to the heat network.
• A private electricity network: to power the energy centre with renewable electricity.

The Client Benefits

The project facilitates CCC meeting climate and sustainability goals: 

• Innovations/ future market model: Investment in pioneering low carbon technology and new business models to shape the market for Net Zero.
• Improvement of local air quality: Eliminating sources of air pollution. 
• Green spaces & land management: Aligning with local planning policy for biodiversity net gain.
• Support: Parish councils and community land trusts to shift rural communities off oil into renewables. 

Strategic Deliverables

Economic: the scheme will generate a long-term revenue for the council through the sale of heat to residents, subsidy revenues and carbon trade. 

Carbon Emissions: Simulation models suggest the heat network will deliver 95% emissions abatement in year one, rising to 96% by 2030 and 99% by 2050. This enables CCC in meeting Net Zero targets and associated environmental strategies.

Social: The heat network will be no more costly to residents than fuel oil, and eliminate the hazards associated with stored fuel.