PROJECT SUMMARY
Appointed by 1Energy and Exeter Energy Limited, ThermaMech is delivering the below ground pipework and infrastructure for the Exeter Energy Network. The low-to-zero carbon heat network will span 20km, servicing Exeter city centre, giving businesses and organisations the opportunity to connect and decarbonise their heat. The estimated spend on the project is £100m+; a sizeable investment in Exeter’s green infrastructure.
£42.5m
of Green Heat Network funding
13,000 tons
of carbon emissions saved annually
91%
reduction in nitrous oxides
CHALLENGES
Sensitivity to Heritage Sites
Exeter is a city full of historic buildings, some dating back to Roman times. Archaeological layers mean that all below ground work requires careful planning and vigilant execution. Historically built-up areas also increase the likelihood of encountering unexpected underground structures (old foundations, or disused cellars) which, if not managed appropriately, can have an impact on timelines and budgets.
City centre location
The location of the Energy Network in a busy city centre like Exeter, presents several challenges that must be mitigated accordingly. ThermaMech are working closely with relevant parties to ensure key routes stay open for buses, deliveries, and emergency vehicles; disruption is minimised wherever possible for local businesses and residents; and connections to local ‘live’ buildings like hospitals, colleges, and offices are carried out whilst allowing services to continue.
Limited space
To minimise disruption, space for below ground infrastructure works can be limited. Excavation takes place on narrow streets, leaving limited space for equipment, machinery access, and storage of materials. Diligent supplier coordination is therefore required to maintain tight delivery schedules.
High profile project
Given the significant investment being made into the Exeter Energy Network, the project is high profile in the local area. This means, throughout the process, communication has to be clear and concise, to address any concerns about noise, road closures, and impact on local businesses. Devon County Council also has very specific reinstatement requirements for roads and pavements, post-installation, which will be thoroughly met.
SUCCESS STORY
Successful delivery, in a complex location
The combination of Exeter’s history, with the size of the city-centre heat network, means that careful planning of the network and its delivery is required. ThermaMech carries out GPR surveys to inform decisions and is working carefully with planners to map out the network’s route, being sensitive to existing underground utilities.
A network fit for the city
One significant challenge local authorities face on the road to net zero is decarbonising public sector buildings. The Exeter Energy Network, once implemented, will provide all types of buildings and organisations with the option to decarbonise their heat, thanks to the scale and scope of the network.
Supporting Exeter to become net zero by 2030
The delivery of the Exeter Energy Network will remove the need for buildings to fuel gas boilers, giving them access to more efficient and low-carbon heat. As a result, Exeter will enjoy cleaner air and become less reliant on fossil fuels – two key parameters of becoming net zero by 2030.
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