Net Zero Energy Centre

Following the award of more than £21million of funding from the Government’s Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF), Lancaster University began construction of a new ‘Net Zero Energy Centre’ in November 2024 and the project will complete in Spring 2027.

The new facility on the outer edge of south east campus will virtually eliminate the use of gas to heat its Lancaster campus. The Net Zero Energy Centre will use state-of-the-art heat pump technology to generate a projected 39-Gigawatt hours (GWh) of low carbon heat, enough to heat 95% of the buildings on campus.

The existing District Heat Network will be extended to increase its coverage across campus buildings from approximately 65% to 95%. In November 2024 an additional 6.5km of district heating pipework will be installed to connect the buildings on campus together. The project is expected to be complete by Spring 2027.

Heat pump ready

Lancaster University has also been awarded £560,387 for its Lancaster campus District Heat Network from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES). Funding will go towards upgrading infrastructure across the network and allow it to be “Heat Pump Ready”. The University will match the funding and the project will include the installation of more efficient pumps and meters, improving the central building management system, enhancing insulation throughout the network.

The HNES funding is crucial in achieving the University’s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions from electricity and heating by 2030.