SSE Energy Solutions (SSE), has signed an agreement to collaborate with Darlington Borough Council to support the development of a town-wide heat network. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties sets out a joint vision for the development of a network. The agreement includes a shared ambition for SSE to apply to the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) in the next funding window.
Early plans include constructing an Energy Centre containing large air source heat pumps in Darlington town centre which would be connected with council buildings and other significant sites including, potentially, government, hospital, university and college buildings, as well as future mixed-use developments.
Jody Pittaway, heat sector director at SSE Energy Solutions, said: “The partnership we are announcing with Darlington Borough Council will support the development process for the heat network by helping us engage with many of the potential low carbon heat offtakers within Darlington town centre. We have already had many promising conversations with building owners across Darlington and this agreement will help us take that engagement to the next level”.