Bradford College has officially begun connection works to the £70 million Bradford Energy Network, a low-carbon heat network designed to significantly reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels. The move is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy supported by a £2.6 million public sector grant administered by Salix, the Department for Energy Security, and Net Zero.
The network, developed by 1Energy, will supply renewable heat through underground pipes to Bradford College, the University of Bradford, and Bradford Courts. It is expected to deliver an 85–90% reduction in emissions for connected buildings. The College alone anticipates an annual carbon saving of over 285 tonnes through its connection to the system, which includes one of the UK’s largest air source heat pumps.
ThermaMech delivers external infrastructure works, including pipe installation across Bradford city centre. The project is also providing skills development opportunities, including student placements, industry masterclasses, and curriculum-linked tours, to support local construction and engineering talent.
The energy plant is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, with heat delivery expected to begin by September of the same year. Phase one of the network aims to cut approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions city-wide.
