E.ON and Amey join forces to deliver low carbon heating for Sheffield’s Lower Don Valley

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore how they can work together to expand the low carbon district heating network across Sheffield, while enhancing public spaces, green areas and biodiversity. This collaboration brings together deep expertise across energy, infrastructure and the environment.

The district heating scheme which is powered by E.ON’s Blackburn Meadows biomass plant supports Sheffield’s ambitions to become a zero-carbon city by 2030.  The expansion plans to add 10km to the existing 8km network, connecting more homes, businesses and public buildings across the Lower Don Valley region, while enhancing local habitat and highways.

Natalie Keogh, Director of City Quarter Partnerships and Heat Solutions at E.ON, said: “We need innovative cleaner ways to heat our homes and businesses, and district heating schemes, like ours in the Lower Don Valley can help advance sustainable energy for Sheffield.

“Leveraging Amey’s expertise and infrastructure to expand our network will lay the foundations for a more affordable, resilient and sustainable energy source for Sheffield. One that creates green jobs, brings warmth to the community and plays a part in helping the city reach its environmental goals.”

James Bulleid, Business Director at Amey, added: “Combining our collective expertise in energy transition, we are delighted to be working with E.ON to accelerate Sheffield’s ambition for a low-carbon future. By designing and delivering purpose-built solutions for the people of Sheffield, we will enable broader social value benefits and offer a more co-ordinated approach to infrastructure improvements for local communities served by the heat network.”

Over the coming months, the two companies will progress planning taking a co-ordinated approach to future-proof city infrastructure and towards providing a better-quality environment.

This project to expand the low carbon heat network, will play key role in enhancing the Lower Don Valley region’s energy infrastructure, while also contributing to Sheffield City Council’s decarbonisation goals and aligning to wider UK Government policy around Heat Network Zoning, where the city is identified as one of six pioneers.