ENGIE UK & Newcastle Launch First District Energy Centre in City
ENGIE UK, in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, has officially opened the Helix District Energy Centre. This marks the first step in a venture to develop District Energy within Newcastle's city boundaries, part of the Regenerate Newcastle Partnership.
The energy centre, launched in November 2022, supplies heating and cooling to 10 buildings and up to 450 homes on the Newcastle Helix site via a 5km network of underground pipes. It generates chilled water, cooling facilities, and electricity using low carbon and cost-effective energy solutions, including natural gas fired CHP.
Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, praised the opening, stating it's a significant boost to the city's climate change credentials. The centre is expected to provide affordable and sustainable heating. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Government's Local Growth Deal through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, it's part of a £20m low carbon scheme set to save over 30,000 tonnes of carbon over 40 years.
ENGIE UK and Newcastle City Council aim to develop and operate more district energy schemes within the city over a 40-year term. Nicola Lovett, Chief Executive of ENGIE UK and Ireland, expressed delight at the completion of the new Helix Energy Centre, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Newcastle's climate goals.
